Oct 25, Kathmandu - Burkina Faso’s interim parliament has unanimously reinstated the death penalty for crimes including terrorism, espionage and treason, while the military government has temporarily banned beauty pageants nationwide.

The parliament approved a new penal code on October 20, backing a proposal from the military government led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The measure restores capital punishment, which was abolished in 2018.

Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said the death penalty was needed to combat rising terrorism and strengthen national security.

Burkina Faso last executed in 1988. The punishment was fully removed from the law three decades later.

Separately, the Culture Ministry said beauty pageants would remain suspended until new policies and standards are developed. The government said such events may resume once regulations are in place to ensure respect for national traditions, cultural identity and social values.