Burkina Faso / REN-LAC: 131 corruption cases followed up in 2024, three landmark cases
The National Anti-Corruption Network (REN-LAC) presented a report on its actions during a press conference on February 14, 2024, at its headquarters in Pissy. For the current year, the institution has followed 131 cases, including 27 new ones, with 20 already judged. Three cases have particularly drawn attention.
The first concerns former Minister Vincent Dabilgou, president of the political party Nouveau Temps pour la Démocratie (NTD), who was found guilty of embezzling more than one billion CFA francs. The Ouagadougou Court of Appeal confirmed his guilt, as well as that of his party and other public officials, while exonerating two private sector actors. According to Sagado Nacanabo, the secretary general of REN-LAC, this trial reveals how public money is embezzled for political purposes, confirming the findings of the network’s report on the 2020 elections.
The second case involves former mayors of Bobo-Dioulasso, who were accused of illegally distributing 479 plots of land during urban development projects. All were found guilty and sentenced to suspended prison sentences. The land in question was confiscated for the benefit of the municipality, and the defendants will have to pay damages to REN-LAC. According to Nacanabo, this case highlights the mismanagement of land, which is a major source of illicit enrichment.
Finally, the embezzlement case at the Ministry of Humanitarian Action resulted in the conviction of four officials, including Amidou Tiegnan. REN-LAC hopes that the ongoing investigation will lead to the prosecution of other individuals named in the case, including former ministers, who have not yet appeared in court.
REN-LAC congratulates itself on these trials, which contribute to the fight against corruption. However, the organization emphasizes the need for an independent judiciary and better governance to prevent falling into a vicious circle. “Without these changes, corruption will continue to threaten the country’s stability and development”, concluded Nacanabo.
