The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Burkina Faso has reported a substantial increase in the recovery of fines. In six months, 1.95 billion FCFA have been collected through alternative prosecution measures, compared to 270 million FCFA during the period of 2022-2024. This achievement was announced by Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Me Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, during a government exhibition on the public action balance.
The recovered amounts reached 350 million FCFA in August and exceeded 300 million FCFA in September 2026, according to the minister's presentation. This progress is part of a broader effort to enhance the recovery of fines and contentious claims. Between 2023 and 2025, the Justice department mobilized 10.38 billion FCFA in fines and contentious claims.
The Ministry's achievements extend beyond revenue collection. In terms of judicial case processing, the ministry recalled the "Empty Docket" operation launched in 2025 to accelerate the handling of pending cases. Within 55 days, over 8,000 cases were judged, and to date, more than 18,000 procedures have been cleared. The courts in Djibo, Dori, Kongoussi, Bogandé, Tougan, and Nouna have resumed their activities.
The Ministry has also made significant strides in the fight against terrorism and economic crime. Over 41 billion FCFA in pecuniary condemnations have been pronounced by economic and financial poles, as well as anti-terrorist poles. This amount does not include seized movable and immovable assets that have not yet been evaluated.
Minister Bayala also highlighted other initiatives, including the production of new robes for magistrates in Burkina Faso. The locally produced red magistrate robe, previously imported at around 850,000 FCFA, is now produced at 150,000 FCFA. The minister mentioned the possibility of holding trials in national languages and the use of videoconferencing.
The Ministry is also working on several reforms, including the institution of a single judge, the creation of criminal chambers within large courts, and the extension of labor courts. Additionally, changes have been made to the Code of Persons and Family, and the Faso Baoré law, which promotes endogenous conflict resolution mechanisms.
The Ministry's efforts aim to improve access to justice and enhance the efficiency of the judicial system. The use of national languages as official languages and the opening of the Superior School of Magistracy to non-magistrates are part of these efforts. The Ministry's achievements demonstrate its commitment to promoting justice and human rights in Burkina Faso.
Key points
- The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Burkina Faso recovered 1.95 billion FCFA in fines in six months.
- The Ministry has made significant progress in case processing, with over 18,000 procedures cleared.
- The Ministry is working on several reforms to improve access to justice and enhance the efficiency of the judicial system.
