Burkina Faso: President Ibrahim Traoré denied the implementation of Sharia Law in the country. He reaffirmed that Burkina Faso will remain secular and sovereign, with no religion above the nation. He said that Sharia law is a traditional Islamic legal system based on the Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s teachings just like any other teachings of other religions.
Traoré said that he is a Muslim and he practice his faith freely. Everyone else living in the country has the full right to follow their own beliefs. He also advised Burkinabe students studying Sharia in Saudi Arabia not to return and questioned why around 1,000 of them chose it instead of learning trades or any technical skills to build the nation.
President Ibrahim Traoré clearly stated that they do not want to implement Sharia in the country. In such a situation, they have no need for those who are studying Sharia in Saudi Arabia. They should remain there. There is no need for them to return to the country. Instead, they should acquire technical knowledge and skills that would contribute to the development of the country, those students voluntarily chose to study Sharia law.
Burkina Faso’s 🇧🇫 President Ibrahim Traoré has firmly stated that Sharia law, a traditional Islamic legal system based on the Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s teachings will never be implemented in the country.
He reaffirmed that Burkina Faso will remain secular and sovereign, with… pic.twitter.com/VbpNH4wxvc
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) July 20, 2026
At present, Burkina Faso has an estimated population of 1 crore 38 lakh. According to the 2019 census, 64% of the population is Muslim, 26% is Christian (Roman Catholic), and the remaining population follows other religions.
Reportedly, the Muslim-majority African country Burkina Faso found it necessary to draw a clear line between state law and religious law and paid closer attention to this debate instead of dismissing it as non-existent.
Considering the investment preferences, reports also indicated that previously Burkina Faso’s government has declined an offer from Saudi Arabia to construct mosques. The country suggested that the funds for constructing them would be better if utilized for building schools, hospitals and businesses that create jobs, employment, education and health treatments.