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Burkina Faso — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Burkina Faso is 148,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Burkina Faso is 1.11 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Burkina Faso ranked at No. 1262

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Burkina Faso ranked at No. 1491

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Burkina Faso is reported to be 1,0003

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners in Burkina Faso is 0.014 per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In Burkina Faso, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 2,0003

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Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 5003 handguns in civilian possession in Burkina Faso

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Burkina Faso are reported to have 20,5205 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Burkina Faso are reported to have 18,4936 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

In Burkina Faso, annual homicides by any means total

2008: 2,7867

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Burkina Faso, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2008: 18.07
2007: 1.548 7
2006: 4.67
2005: 0.85
2004: 9.57
2003: 1.02
2002: 7.06
2001: 1.128
2000: 1.02
1998: 0.38
1997: 0.25
1996: 0.58

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Gun Homicides

In Burkina Faso, annual firearm homicides total

1995: 49

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

In Burkina Faso, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

1995: 0.039

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Suicides (any method)

In Burkina Faso, annual suicides by any means total

1995: 1009

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Burkina Faso, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

1995: 0.779

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Gun Suicides

In Burkina Faso, annual firearm suicides total

1995: 159

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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

In Burkina Faso, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

1995: 0.129

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Unintentional Gun Deaths

In Burkina Faso, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

1995: 59

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

In Burkina Faso, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

1995: 0.049

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Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Burkina Faso, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

1995: 4769

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Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

In Burkina Faso, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

1995: 3.669

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Burkina Faso, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence3

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Regulation of Firearm Exports

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Burkina Faso is reported to be US$47,41610 (2011)

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Regulation of Firearm Imports

In Burkina Faso, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 11 12

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Burkina Faso is reported to be US$953,88510 (2011)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Burkina Faso is moderate13

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Burkina Faso, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law12

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Burkina Faso is categorised as restrictive14

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Burkina Faso includes the Decree No. 2006/174 Governing the Composition, Functions, Organisation and Functioning of the National Commission for the Fight Against the Proliferation of Small Arms (CNLPAL), Decree No. 2007/049 Governing the Composition, Functions, Organisation and Functioning of the High Authority for the Control of Arms Imports and their Use, and Decree No.2009/301 of 8 May 2009 Governing the System for Arms and Munitions in Burkina Faso12

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Burkina Faso are regulated by the Ministry of Security12

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Burkina Faso, civilians are not allowed to possess handguns with a calibre over 7.65mm3

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Regulation of Handguns

In Burkina Faso, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence, for handguns up to 7.65mm3

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Burkina Faso, only licensed gun owners3 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Burkina Faso are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security3

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Burkina Faso is 21 years3

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Burkina Faso must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental and domestic violence3 records

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Burkina Faso stipulates15 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Licensing Records

In Burkina Faso, authorities maintain a record3 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Burkina Faso, the law requires16 17 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Burkina Faso, licensed firearm dealers are required16 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Burkina Faso, licensed gun makers are required16 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Burkina Faso, State agencies are required18 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Burkina Faso do not include3 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Burkina Faso include3 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Burkina Faso, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law17

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Firearm Tracing

In Burkina Faso, state authorities carry out16 18 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In Burkina Faso, state authorities do not employ17 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Burkina Faso, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit3

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

African Union

In June 2006, as a member of the African Union, Burkina Faso adopted an African Common Position to take to the Conference to Review the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), held in June 200619

Economic Community of West African States

In June 2006, as a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Burkina Faso adopted the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and other Related Materials. This stipulates strict controls on the transfer, manufacture, possession and security of small arms and light weapons20

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Burkina Faso voted to begin21 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified22 by Burkina Faso

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Burkina Faso committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects23

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Burkina Faso has submitted one or more national reports24 25 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Burkina Faso, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated26 25

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Burkina Faso, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated26 25

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Burkina Faso submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is apparent26 25

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated25 by Burkina Faso to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Burkina Faso has not declared27 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Burkina Faso has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196028

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list29 Burkina Faso as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

3.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Burkina Faso.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4213)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation

7.

UNODC.2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Burkina Faso.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6385)Full Citation

8.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Sub-Saharan Africa, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3812)Full Citation

9.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

10.

Marsh, Nicholas.2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation

11.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q82)Full Citation

12.

Moreau, Virginie, Cédric Poitevin and Jihan Seniora.2010.‘Comparison of the Main Regulatory Aspects Examined – Burkina Faso.’ Arms Transfer Controls: The Example of French-Speaking States in Sub-Saharan Africa.Brussels:Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité (GRIP),1 May. (Q4002)Full Citation

13.

AEFJN.2010.‘Countries that Send Arms to Embargoed Territories.’ Arms Exports and Transfers: From Sub-Saharan Africa to Sub-Saharan Africa.Brussels:Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network,1 December. (Q5101)Full Citation

14.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

15.

GERDDES.2011.‘Burkina Faso Legislation on Armed Domestic Violence (Législation du Burkina Faso sur les violences domestiques armées).’ Email response to request for information on legal provisions with regard to firearms and domestic violence.Cotonou:Research Group on the Democratic, Economic, and Social Development of Africa (GERDDES),14 June. (Q5398)Full Citation

16.

Burkina Faso.2005.‘Tracing (Traçage).’ National Report of Burkina Faso on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Burkina Faso to the United Nations,21 January. (Q4804)Full Citation

17.

Burkina Faso.2010.‘Marking, Record Keeping and Tracing.’ National Report of Burkina Faso on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Burkina Faso to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4803)Full Citation

18.

Burkina Faso.2005.‘Management and Securing of the Armed Forces Firearms Stockpiles (Gestion et Sécurisation des Stocks des Armes dans les Forces Armées).’ National Report of Burkina Faso on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Burkina Faso to the United Nations,21 January. (Q4805)Full Citation

19.

African Union / UNODA.2005.‘Windhoek Common Position.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:African Union / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 December. (Q3216)Full Citation

20.

ECOWAS / UNODA.2006.‘Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and other Related Materials.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:Economic Community of West African States Secretariat / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 June. (Q3219)Full Citation

21.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

22.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

23.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

24.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

25.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

26.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

27.

UNODA.2011.‘National Reports on Small Arms Exports.’ United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - The Global Reported Arms Trade.New York:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,21 October. (Q14)Full Citation

28.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

29.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation