Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has officially prohibited judges from wearing British and French colonial-style wigs, a decision aimed at decolonizing the country’s judicial system.
President Traoré emphasized the need to break away from colonial-era traditions and adopt practices that align with Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage. The ban reflects his broader commitment to strengthening national identity and asserting the country’s sovereignty.
Colonial-style wigs have long symbolized foreign influence in African legal systems. Burkina Faso now joins other African nations in discarding these remnants of colonial rule, choosing instead to embrace indigenous traditions.
This move aligns with a broader trend across Africa, where countries are reassessing colonial legacies and opting for systems that resonate more deeply with their people. It marks a symbolic step in the continent’s ongoing cultural revival.