Burkina Faso's parliament has abolished the death penalty by adopting a new penal code that strikes it as a possible sentence.

Justice Minister Rene Bagoro said on Thursday that the revised document paves the way for "more credible, equitable, accessible and effective justice in the application of criminal law".

The death penalty was kept in the version of the criminal code adopted in 1996, but Burkina Faso has not imposed capital punishment recently.

Many rights movements, including Amnesty International and Catholic Church activists have pressed the government for a decade to remove it from criminal statutes.

The decision to abolish the death penalty comes amid a landmark trial this year over a failed 2015 coup. Two former presidential aides are among more than 80 people facing the military tribunal.

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FOLLOW News24 Africa on Twitter and Facebook</s>The National Assembly in Burkina Faso Thursday approved an amendment to the 1996 criminal code which abolishes the death penalty in the West African country.APA learned Friday from a parliamentarian source in Ouagadougou that the penal code amendment bill was adopted by 83 votes for and 42 against, and effectively ends application of the death penalty in Burkina Faso.

The new law comes in effect after several years of a moratorium on enforcement of the death penalty.</s>OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Burkina Faso's parliament has abolished the death penalty by adopting a new penal code that strikes it as a possible sentence.

Justice Minister Rene Bagoro said Thursday that the revised document paves the way for "more credible, equitable, accessible and effective justice in the application of criminal law."

The death penalty was kept in the version of the criminal code adopted in 1996, but Burkina Faso has not imposed capital punishment recently.

Many rights movements, including Amnesty International and Catholic Church activists have pressed the government for a decade to remove it from criminal statutes.

The decision to abolish the death penalty comes amid a landmark trial this year over a failed 2015 coup. Two former presidential aides are among more than 80 people facing the military tribunal.</s>Justice Minister Rene Bagoro said on late Thursday the revised law is an important step in transition to a credible justice system.

He added: "In addition to lifting capital punishment, amendments have been made to sections on organized criminal bodies, terrorism, corruption, violence against women and children's rights, in accordance with international law."

The minister explained that his country has largely fulfilled international obligations and commitments of the UN with these steps.

"These changes will......create a better environment for peace and security," he added.

The move will facilitate the return of former President Blaise Compaore's brother Francois Compaore from France.

Compaore was accused of being involved in the murder of Norbert Zong, a famous journalist, in 1998. He was sentenced to death in absentia.

The country has not imposed capital punishment since 1978, despite a provision in the law.

Burkina Faso became the 21st country in sub-Saharan Africa to abolish death penalty.</s>The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) monitors trends in staple food prices in countries vulnerable to food insecurity. For each FEWS NET country and region, the Price Bulletin provides a set of charts showing monthly prices in the current marketing year in selected urban centers and allowing users to compare current trends with both five-year average prices, indicative of seasonal trends, and prices in the previous year.

Millet, maize, and sorghum are the most important food commodities for household consumption. Millet is the staple of the most vulnerable households, while maize and sorghum also contribute to the food basket of a majority of all households. Sankaryare market is the largest and most important market in Ouagadougou and supplies other markets within the country and region. Koudougou is located in one of the most populated areas in the country, where a majority of households depend on the market for their food needs. Djibo is in the highly vulnerable Sahelian zone. Pouytenga is an assembly market for products from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and Togo. Solenzo is a rural market located in the middle of a surplus production zone. Bobo Dioulasso is important center for both consumption and production – it functions as both the economic capital of Burkina Faso and is located in an important cereal production zone.
Burkina Faso's National Assembly votes to abolish the death penalty.