Burkina Faso / Constitutional Revision Project: Towards Democratic and Institutional Transformation
The Burkinabe government has reached a significant milestone in advancing the Transition process by examining, during this Wednesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, a draft bill for the Constitutional Revision
This initiative firmly aligns with the essential missions of the Transition, aiming to undertake political, administrative, and institutional reforms to strengthen the democratic culture and consolidate the rule of law.
The project proposes elevating national languages to official languages, thereby replacing French as the working language. This measure reflects the desire to promote Burkina Faso’s cultural diversity.
The Constitutional Council would have its roles expanded, extending beyond its traditional functions. It would now be responsible for regulating the functioning of institutions, overseeing the activities of public authorities, and controlling the constitutional revision procedure.
The project foresees a restructuring of the composition of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, thus enhancing the independence and effectiveness of the judicial system.
By integrating traditional and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, the project aligns with Burkina Faso’s socio-cultural realities, fostering a more accessible and adapted justice system.
The project proposes the removal of the High Court of Justice in favor of ordinary courts. It also enshrines the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) as a constitutional institution.
For a more direct involvement of religious and customary leaders, the project suggests abolishing the Economic and Social Council and the Ombudsman of Burkina Faso, while establishing a National Council of Communities.
This measure aims to promote the resolution of social conflicts and community involvement in public affairs management.
This constitutional revision project in Burkina Faso represents a major step towards democratic and institutional transformation. The innovative proposals reflect the government’s commitment to consolidating democracy and adapting institutions to the country’s realities.
