Judges bannned from using colonial-style wigs
Publish date: 20 January 2025
Issue Number: 1109
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has banned the use of British and French colonial-style wigs by judges, marking a significant move to decolonise the country’s judicial system. Announcing the decision, Traoré stressed the importance of breaking away from colonial traditions and embracing practices that reflect Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage. According to a report on the africanews site, the ban is part of his broader push to foster national identity and assert the country’s sovereignty. Colonial-era wigs have long been symbols of foreign influence in African legal systems. Burkina Faso now joins other nations on the continent in discarding such relics in favour of indigenous traditions. This decision underscores a growing trend across Africa, where countries are revisiting colonial legacies. It’s a symbolic step that speaks to a larger cultural renaissance sweeping the continent.