Burkina Faso/Justice: President TRAORE marks a giant step in his vision of reform and development (Chafia CHOUCHEN)
On Thursday, September 19, President Ibrahim TRAORE and his government approved a law to assign certain offenders to community service. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting and aims to reduce overcrowding in Burkina Faso’s prisons. According to the Justice Minister, community service will replace the automatic use of imprisonment.
President TRAORE has repeatedly expressed his desire to reform the prison system by employing some inmates in productive sectors like agriculture and infrastructure. There is also a pilot agricultural and livestock project being carried out by inmates nearing the end of their sentences in some detention centers.
Tunisian panafricanist Chafia CHOUCHEN praised this ambitious decision, saying it marks a significant step in reforming Burkina Faso’s prison system. Besides helping to reduce prison overcrowding, she believes this decision will have a positive impact on both the offenders and the country.
She argues that this type of punishment is educational. In other words, those sentenced to community service will gain valuable skills, allowing them to improve their lives by engaging in profitable activities. This approach also helps the state avoid the issue of repeat offenders.
At the same time, Chafia CHOUCHEN points out that these individuals contribute to their country’s development by serving it. She notes that this system is already used in developed countries that have effectively employed people in conflict with the law. This strategy can save the state money while increasing work that supports the country’s socioeconomic development. Many Burkinabe and Africans around the world are applauding this initiative from the President and his government.
