Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has officially banned the use of British and French colonial-style wigs by judges, signaling a bold step toward decolonising the country’s judicial system.
In his announcement, President Traoré emphasized the need to break free from colonial-era traditions and adopt practices that align with Burkina Faso’s cultural identity. The move is part of his broader initiative to reinforce national identity and assert the country’s sovereignty.
Colonial-style wigs, long regarded as symbols of foreign influence in African legal systems, are being discarded as Burkina Faso joins other nations on the continent in embracing indigenous traditions.
This decision reflects a growing trend across Africa, where countries are reassessing colonial legacies and replacing them with practices that resonate more deeply with their cultural heritage. It marks a symbolic shift in the continent’s ongoing cultural and institutional renaissance.
