In a significant ceremony held at the Ouaga 1 Grand Instance Tribunal on September 30, 2026, twenty notary trainees and forty-three clerks took an oath to practice their profession with integrity, loyalty, and probity. The event marked a major milestone in strengthening Burkina Faso's notary services, aiming to improve access to legal security for citizens. The new notaries and clerks pledged to observe the country's laws, respect professional secrecy, and refrain from engaging in acts contrary to public order or good morals.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Harouna Kadio, Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, who highlighted the significance of the event. He noted that for the first time in Burkina Faso's history, twenty notary trainees were being sworn in at once, making it a historic and unprecedented occasion. This development is a concrete response to the Burkinabé Notaries Order's desire to gradually expand the profession's workforce.
The new notaries will undergo a two-year practical training period in law firms under the supervision of experienced mentors. This training will equip them with the necessary experience before being confirmed as notaries. According to Me Yacouba Dambélé, President of the Burkinabé Notaries Order, the oath-taking ceremony is a solemn engagement that reflects the recruits' awareness of their duty to serve the nation while respecting the law and professional ethics.
The clerks, who will assist notaries in their daily work, have also pledged to conform to the texts governing the profession and perform their duties with accuracy and probity. This commitment is expected to strengthen the chain of trust surrounding the authentication of documents, family protection, and transaction security. The expansion of notary services is crucial in Burkina Faso, where the demand for these services remains high across the country.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice emphasized the pivotal role of notaries in Burkina Faso's legal and social life. He stated that notaries are responsible for authenticating documents, promoting social cohesion, and providing impartial support to families. Harouna Kadio encouraged the young trainees to approach this new stage with competence, humility, and a sense of responsibility.
One of the new notary trainees, Appolinaire Daboné, acknowledged the magnitude of the responsibility that comes with taking the oath. He pledged to respect Burkina Faso's laws, engage in promoting the notary profession, and demonstrate loyalty to his mentors. Similarly, the clerks have promised to serve with integrity and strict respect for the law.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to improve access to notary services for Burkinabé citizens, particularly in a context where the demand for these services remains significant. The increase in the number of notaries and clerks is anticipated to enhance the capacity of law firms and ultimately provide better services to the population.
Key points
- The swearing-in ceremony of twenty notary trainees and forty-three clerks marks a significant step in strengthening Burkina Faso's notary services.
- The new notaries will undergo a two-year practical training period under the supervision of experienced mentors.
- The expansion of notary services aims to improve access to legal security for Burkinabé citizens.
