Burkina Faso: Faso Bukaore, community justice promoting social cohesion
Burkina Faso is set to take a significant step in conflict management by establishing a legal framework for traditional dispute resolution. Known as the “Faso Bukaore Law,” in the national Mooré language, this initiative aims to institutionalize community-based bodies responsible for resolving local disputes in each sector and village.
Through this mechanism, citizens will have access to a more approachable system, rooted in cultural realities, to settle disagreements. The law encourages parties in conflict to first turn to the “Bukaore” body to seek a swift and consensual solution before potentially resorting to formal courts.
The introduction of this framework responds to a dual observation. On one hand, formal justice, while necessary, is often difficult to access for many citizens due to geographic distance, procedural complexity, and associated costs. On the other hand, Burkinabe society has long relied on traditional mediation and conciliation practices, recognized for their effectiveness in maintaining social peace.
The “Faso Bukaore Law” seeks to valorize these indigenous practices by providing a clear legal framework recognized by the state. It also establishes complementarity with existing courts, ensuring that decisions or agreements from Bukaore can be integrated into the formal judicial system, thereby enhancing coherence and legitimacy.
Beyond conflict resolution, the mechanism promotes social cohesion, dialogue, and reconciliation within communities. By offering culturally adapted, accessible, and rapid solutions, it also helps reduce pressure on conventional courts.
With the “Faso Bukaore Law,” Burkina Faso bridges tradition and modernity to provide citizens with broader avenues for dispute resolution while reinforcing social peace and trust in institutions.
