Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe press this Monday is abuzz with discussions surrounding a significant embezzlement scandal at the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and the passing of two prominent figures, Me Frédéric Titinga Pacéré and Mgr Jean Marie Untaani Compaoré. The state daily, Sidwaya, prominently features a headline honoring the memories of these two distinguished individuals, acknowledging the government’s heartfelt condolences to their families.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the government extended sincere condolences to the families and relatives of Me Titinga Pacéré and Mgr Jean Marie Untaani Compaoré, who passed away on November 8 and 9, 2024, respectively, in Ouagadougou. L’Observateur Paalga highlights the multifaceted life of Me Pacéré, noting his roles as a lawyer, writer, and customary chief, alongside reporting the tragic burning of a library associated with him. The paper also commemorates Mgr Compaoré, referring to his transition as occurring in his 91st year and describing him as
a unifier.
Le Pays newspaper reflects on the loss felt by the Burkina Bar Association and the Burkina Faso and Niger Family Church, describing them as deans. In a separate report, Le Pays details a significant embezzlement case, revealing that over 3 billion CFA francs were misappropriated from the Ministry in charge of humanitarian action, leading to the arrest of three ministry agents.
The state daily Sidwaya elaborates on the case, citing the prosecutor’s explanation that the former manager of the treasury account for ”strengthening social protection (PRO-SOC)”, Amidou Tiégnan, allegedly forged signatures of his superiors to issue checks in his name. The trial is set for November 15, 2024. L’Observateur Paalga adds that Amidou Tiégnan, along with his accomplices Salifou Ouédraogo and Philipe Bayoulou, have been presented to the prosecution and are currently held under arrest warrants.