The Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) unanimously adopted, on Wednesday, January 14, the bill
establishing the status of customary and traditional chieftaincies in Burkina Faso.
This major text aims to formally integrate this centuries-old institution into the national legal framework while
enshrining its political neutrality.
The transitional parliament has taken a decisive step in the revitalisation of Burkina Faso’s institutional heritage.
The bill, passed by the 71 members present, now precisely defines the role of chiefs, ranging from kings and emirs to village and land chiefs.
One of the major innovations of this law lies in the specific protection granted by the state to customary authorities against threats, insults, or violence suffered in the exercise of their duties.
Chiefs will now benefit from the assistance of the security forces in the event of a threat and will be issued an official identification document. Furthermore, the national flag must now fly in palaces, symbolising the unity between tradition and the republic.
The law also establishes a national register of chiefs and a coordinating structure, while protecting sacred sites and ritual objects.
To guarantee social stability, the text rigorously regulates the transfer of power.
Article 9 formally prohibits any self-proclamation, declaring it “null and void” and subject to penalties for disturbing public order.
Finally, the law enshrines the principle of neutrality: chiefs receive no remuneration and are obligated to resign from their customary functions if they become involved in politics.
According to Minister Emile Zerbo, this reform aims to strengthen the contribution of chieftaincy to peace and social cohesion.
HO/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA