The first session of the criminal chamber of the Gao grand instance tribunal concluded on October 8, 2026, in the Cité des Askias. The session, which began on October 6, aimed to try 9 major criminal cases involving 11 accused. The cases included 2 assassinations, 3 pedophilias, 2 fatal assaults, 1 rape, and 1 murder. The tribunal delivered verdicts in all 9 cases, with sentences ranging from acquittal to capital punishment, life imprisonment, and time in prison.
During the session, the criminal chamber of the Gao TGI handed down sentences that matched the severity of the crimes committed. Three accused received the death penalty, one was sentenced to life imprisonment, four received prison sentences of 10, 15, or 20 years, and three were acquitted. The session was presided over by Gao TGI President Gaoussou Sanogo, with Republic Prosecutor Mahamadou Coulibaly, Deputy Prosecutor Hamadoun Bocoum, and representative of the Bar Association, Lawyer Mamadou Camara, in attendance.
The coordinator of the Gao Human Rights Observatory, Ibrahim Touré, welcomed the successful conduct of the first criminal chamber session. He praised the highest authorities of the institutions and the entire judicial chain for making it possible. Touré expressed satisfaction that crimes committed against Gao's peaceful citizens would be tried in the city's criminal chamber. He commended the men and women of the Gao judicial institution for their competence.
The public ministry, represented by Deputy Prosecutor Hamadoun Boucoum, noted that despite the multidimensional security challenges facing their jurisdiction, the judicial institution had fulfilled its mission. Boucoum stated that the public prosecutor had received sufficient time to investigate the cases and make requisitions. The independent criminal chamber had made decisions based on the facts and rules of law.
A defense lawyer for the civil party praised the justice system, saying it had not been swayed by rumors, emotions, or public opinion. The lawyer noted that the public had witnessed a justice system that examined facts and made decisions based on the rules of law. The lawyer added that the criminal chamber had demonstrated that justice could be served, even in challenging conditions.
The successful conduct of the first criminal chamber session marks a significant milestone for the Gao judicial institution. The session demonstrated that the institution was capable of handling complex cases and delivering justice to the people of Gao. The verdicts handed down during the session sent a strong message about the consequences of committing serious crimes.
Key stakeholders have praised the justice system for its independence and commitment to upholding the law. The session has raised hopes that the Gao judicial institution will continue to play a critical role in maintaining law and order in the region. The institution's ability to try complex cases has been seen as a major achievement.
Key points
- The Gao grand instance tribunal's first criminal session tried 9 major cases involving 11 accused.
- The tribunal handed down sentences ranging from acquittal to capital punishment and prison terms.
- The successful session marks a significant milestone for the Gao judicial institution.
