Government Bans Street Begging, Targets Parents Who Send Children to Beg
Government Bans Street Begging, Targets Parents Who Send Children to Beg
In a bold move to restore public order and protect vulnerable children, the government of Burkina Faso has officially declared street begging illegal. The new law, announced this week, takes firm aim at both able-bodied individuals who beg and parents who send their children to the streets.
According to the legislation, any healthy adult found begging in public places will face strict legal consequences. Authorities emphasize that begging is no longer considered a matter of poverty alone, but a social menace that exposes both adults and minors to exploitation and crime.
More significantly, the law targets a growing concern across West Africa — the use of children as street beggars. In many cases, parents or guardians send minors to beg for alms, often under harsh and unsafe conditions. Burkina Faso’s government says this practice not only robs children of their dignity and education but also exposes them to grave risks, including kidnapping, trafficking, and abuse.
Officials have vowed to strictly enforce the law, noting that child safety and human dignity must take precedence. “We cannot allow our streets to become grounds for child exploitation,” one government spokesperson stated. “Every child deserves protection, education, and a safe environment — not a life on the streets.”
While the decision has sparked mixed reactions among citizens, many observers see it as a progressive step toward addressing poverty and enforcing social discipline. The government has also hinted at plans to expand social welfare programs to support struggling families and reduce dependency on street alms.
As Burkina Faso moves forward with this new legal framework, attention will now turn to how effectively the country balances law enforcement with compassion — ensuring that those genuinely in need receive help through proper social channels rather than punishment.
Key Highlights:
Begging is now illegal across Burkina Faso.
Healthy, able-bodied beggars will face prosecution.
Parents or guardians who send children to beg risk legal penalties.
The law aims to protect minors from kidnapping and exploitation.
Social welfare programs are being strengthened to assist the poor.
This bold reform places Burkina Faso among a growing number of African nations taking decisive steps to safeguard children and restore social order on their streets.
