Overview

• The Persons and Family Code was approved on Monday by the junta-installed parliament, introducing prison sentences, fines, and potential deportation for non-citizens or repeat offenders, according to the justice minister.
• Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced the penalties on state TV and described the measure as recognizing marriage and family values.
• The 71-member transitional legislature, in place since the 2022 military takeover, passed the law unanimously.
• State media and officials said the law takes effect immediately, though some outlets reported it awaits the signature of junta leader Ibrahim Traoré.
• Authorities say the measure is part of broader family and citizenship reforms, while Amnesty International and other advocates condemned the criminalization and urged its reversal, noting similar moves in Mali, Ghana, and Uganda.