Burkina Faso: President Ibrahim Traoré reforms the justice system by placing customary law at the heart of the judicial system
Under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso is advancing a transformative vision of justice, deeply rooted in local realities and centered on customary law. In a context of security crisis and major geopolitical shifts, President Ibrahim Traoré has taken bold measures to strengthen a judiciary that truly serves the people.
During the first statutory meeting of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (Conseil Supérieur de la Magistrature, CSM) in 2025, he emphasized the importance of adapting the judicial system to contemporary challenges while valuing the legal traditions that form an integral part of Burkina Faso’s identity.
In his address, the President acknowledged the efforts of the CSM amid particularly difficult circumstances.
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He highlighted the essential role of justice as a pillar of lasting peace and expressed his gratitude to CSM members for their courage and dedication.
A key point of the meeting was the review of a report on the role of customary law in building a fair and equitable judicial system.
The President of the CSM, Adama Ouédraogo, stressed the importance of reconciling modernity and tradition to better meet the expectations of citizens seeking justice.
In parallel, a significant decision was made: Burkina Faso has suspended its participation in the Francophone network of Judicial Councils, following its withdrawal from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
This step aligns with a logic of sovereignty and a break from institutions perceived as disconnected from national realities.
The goal is to reinforce an autonomous judicial system capable of embodying the aspirations of the Burkinabe people, in full harmony with its traditions.
For the CSM, this reform dynamic is not merely rhetorical but translates into concrete action. Members of the CSM presented reports evaluating first-degree courts, aiming to improve their efficiency.
These efforts seek to make justice more accessible, timely, and responsive to the needs of citizens , while affirming that customary law provides a solid foundation for building a truly equitable judicial system that serves all.
Olivier TOE
