Burkina Faso · Overview
The legal system of Burkina Faso
A French-tradition civil-law system operating under transitional arrangements after the two coups of 2022. The 1991 constitution remains formally in force as modified by transitional charters. OHADA commercial law and the 1989 Code des personnes et de la famille continue to apply.
Legal tradition
Burkina Faso belongs to the civil law (french tradition) tradition. A French-tradition civil-law system operating under transitional arrangements after the two coups of 2022. The 1991 constitution remains formally in force as modified by transitional charters. OHADA commercial law and the 1989 Code des personnes et de la famille continue to apply.
How power is divided
Formally semi-presidential under the 1991 text; currently a transitional President and government with an appointed legislative assembly.
Where law comes from
- Constitution of 1991
- In force as modified by the Transitional Charter.
- Transitional Charter
- Governs the current institutional arrangement.
- OHADA Uniform Acts
- Directly applicable commercial law.
- Codes
- Civil, penal, family (1989), labour and mining codes.
- Customary law
- Recognised in land and personal matters within statutory limits.
The legal profession
Avocats admitted through the Barreau du Burkina Faso; notaires and huissiers are separate regulated professions.
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