Transition in Burkina Faso - A way forward for human rights?
In October 2014, major demonstrations in Burkina Faso toppled then President Blaise Compaoré. Having ruled since a military coup in 1987, he had attempted to modify the constitutional term limits to be able to present himself for the 2015 elections.
A transitional government was established to govern the country until legislative and presidential elections could take place; these are now scheduled for October 2015.
“The transitional government was formed after a dialogue between the military, political leaders and civil society representatives, representing a first step towards inclusive political governance by promoting the participation of a broad range of driving forces and segments of society,” Ulrik Spliid, Programme Manager Africa, at the Danish Institute for Human Rights explains.
Hope for improved living conditions
There are great expectations from the people of Burkina Faso that the democratic elections will lead to improved living conditions in the country, and a reformist enthusiasm prevails with a strong desire for justice. Re-building trust between the population and the authorities is therefore a major challenge for the transitional government. This substantial task is currently met with an overhaul of weak state institutions with the aim of promoting democracy and a renewed focus on human rights.
“Our partners in Burkina Faso and members of the human rights working group with which we are collaborating have been nominated for posts at the highest level as part of these changes”, says Ulrik Spliid.
This includes the new President of the Constitutional Council, the new Director General of the National Police, the new Chief of Cabinet of the Ministry of Interior, the new Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and the new Minister of Civil Service and Labour. The nominations provide the Danish Institute for Human Rights with unprecedented access to cooperate on human rights with the highest offices in Burkina Faso.
“This shows the benefits of our long-term partnership approach. We would never be able to waltz in and cooperate with people in these high places, if we had not already been working with them for years,” Ulrik Spliid says.
Review of constitutional protection
The promotion and protection of human rights will be crucial for real improvements to living conditions to take place, and the human rights and fundamental freedoms obligations enshrined in the constitution of Burkina Faso are fundamental to this process. This means that current constitutional protection may need to be reviewed and improved to ensure that human rights become guidelines for the transitional authorities in their conduct and reforms.
The National Human Rights Commission of Burkina Faso plays a key role in this process.
“There is a need for the mandate of the Commission to be strengthened to become a driving force in the national human rights system of Burkina Faso, and as a sister institution, the Danish Institute for Human Rights stands ready to support the Commission through capacity building and technical assistance”, comments Monique Alexis, Strategic Adviser for the Africa Programme at the Danish Institute for Human Rights.