Ouagadougou, August 2025 — In a landmark move to reaffirm cultural autonomy, Burkina Faso has revised its constitution, formally removing French as an official language and elevating indigenous languages—Mooré, Bissa, Dyula, and Fula—to official status. French will remain in use—but only as a “working language” in courts, administration, and education.
President Ibrahim Traoré celebrated the reform as a bold step toward political, economic, and cultural sovereignty, stating, “No one can truly develop from the concepts of others.”
What the Change Means
- Official Languages: Mooré, Bissa, Dyula, and Fula are now constitutionally recognized as the official languages of Burkina Faso.
- Working Role for French: French can still be used in formal settings, but with reduced priority.
This reform is part of a broader trend among West African nations distancing themselves from colonial legacies. Neighboring Mali and Niger have taken similar steps, redefining French’s role within their linguistic landscapes.
Why This Is Historic
- Cultural Rejuvenation: By recognizing its major indigenous languages as official, Burkina embraces its linguistic diversity and restores priority to native identity.
- Institutional Reform: Public administration, education, and media will gradually adapt to operate in these local languages.
- Political Symbolism: The shift echoes the government’s vision of true independence from colonial frameworks.
