Tannounyan: The High Court (TGI) of Banfora held a formal hearing on Monday marking the official installation of its new President, Sie Elvis Ouattara, a 2nd grade, 3rd echelon magistrate. Appointed last July by the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM), he now holds the positions of President of the High Court and the Administrative Court of Banfora.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Mr. Ouattara, who holds a Master’s degree in law obtained in 2010, replaces Sidaty Yoda, who was relieved of his duties following his incarceration at the Ouagadougou Prison and Correctional Facility for conspiracy to commit stellion and money laundering. The Prosecutor of Faso at the Banfora High Court, Olo Idriss Pale, stated that this situation seriously undermined the credibility of the court and sparked criticism from those seeking justice.

Mr. Pale highlighted that this crisis of confidence led some litigants to question the trustworthiness of the orders issued by the Banfora High Court. He urged the new President to break with unethical practices and work to restore trust between citizens and the justice system.

Sie Elvis Ouattara expressed gratitude to the High Council of the Judiciary for the trust placed in him. He pledged to apply the law impartially and to work with loyalty, rigor, and integrity to earn the trust of the authorities and the population. He also called for collaboration from administrative, customary, religious, military, and paramilitary authorities and the population to restore the image of the Banfora High Court.

The President of the High Council of the Judiciary apologized to the people and the constituted bodies of the region for the poor image left by the former president. He assured that the jurisdiction will regain its dignity under the leadership of the new President, while inviting the population to renew their confidence in the justice system.

The Secretary General of the Tannounyan region, Toussaint Meda, representing the Governor, welcomed the appointment of Mr. Ouattara and congratulated the CSM on this choice. He invited the inhabitants to support the new President in the accomplishment of his mission.

With this installation, a new chapter opens for the Banfora High Court, marked by renewed confidence, probity, and justice in the service of citizens.