Mali, a West African nation under military rule for over three years, has moved closer to criminalising homosexuality with the recent passage of a new penal code by its ruling National Transitional Council.
The measure was nearly unanimously adopted last week, with 131 members voting in favour and just one dissenting. However, the bill still requires formal approval from Mali’s military leaders, as reported by Agence France-Presse.
This development signals growing hostility towards LGBTQ+ communities in the region. In neighbouring Burkina Faso, also under a military-led government, the Transitional Legislative Assembly is set to discuss potential sanctions to penalise homosexuality within its borders further.
On 31 October, Mali’s Minister of Justice, Mamadou Kassogue, expressed satisfaction over the impending legislation. Speaking in Mali’s official language, Bamanankan, Kassogue confirmed, “There are now provisions prohibiting homosexuality in Mali, and anyone engaging in or promoting it will be prosecuted,” as reported by AES Info.
The Malian junta has reportedly been working towards criminalising homosexuality for over two years. However, the final details of the new penal code have yet to be made public.
This announcement comes just before the U.S. elections on 5 November, a time when global diplomats are closely observing Washington for potential shifts in American foreign policy that could impact international relations.
