Burkina Faso: 12 billion CFA francs embezzled, a fake news from the newspaper L’Evenement to tarnish the authorities ‘image.

 The publication of the newspaper “l’Evénement” on May 10, 2023, with the headline: « Transitional Legislative Assembly: Mystery surrounding a ten-billion-dollar transfer », surprised opinions leaders. A local media that is supposed to understand the realities in which the country lives, wants instead, to discredit the authorities who are sparing no effort for the total security of Burkina Faso.

Indeed, the funds that the newspaper l’Evénement is talking about (12 billion), are planned for the construction of the new headquarters of the National Assembly, which was burned down since the events in 2014.

According to information from a source at the hemicycle, the 12 billion were deposited in a local bank, Wend Kuni Bank, without interest. This sum according to the information, would have constituted the capitals of the bank. So, there was not any plan of remuneration per year,

 Unfortunately, some partners of Burkina Faso are betraying this country in its fight against terrorism. The country is forced to fall back on its own efforts to confront the terrorist threat.

The defense and security forces need resources in this fight. For emergency needs of purchasing weapons and war equipment to face the enemy, they used this sum for a good cause.

The results of the investments of 12 billion CFA francs have been seen on the ground. Today, history will remember that thanks to these funds, the scourge of terrorism is coming to an end in Burkina Faso.

The air-land army is well equipped with war material, the majority of the territories are under the control of the FDS, the internally displaced persons are returning to their territories and the populations are freely going about their business.

The editorial staff of the newspaper l’Evénement must understand that the twelve (12) billion CFA francs, which he refers to, by looking into the audit of the Superior Authority of State Control and the Fight against Corruption, have not been used on the sly, as he mentioned in his article.

 But on the contrary, this sum is for the cause of the nation. The results on the ground constitute some evidences. The vision for the moment in Burkina Faso is to lead an effective fight against terrorists. The objective must not change.

In the same issue, the editorial staff of L’Evénement reported on an alleged transaction of a large sum of money via cell phone to Timbuktu in Mali. First of all, conditions in Timbuktu do not allow a resident to leave his or her position for another one, just as in the city center.

In addition, the military are in detachments for security reasons. How will the military officer that the media mentioned recover the millions of CFA francs which, according to L’Evénement, were sent to her from Burkina Faso?

 It may be easy to send millions to Timbuktu by transfer. But finding a withdrawal point in a detachment in Timbuktu is an uphill battle.

The newspaper l’Evènement has badly reported the gossip, not to say that it lacks an investigative strategy.

Even beginners in journalism know that before publishing any information, you go to the source to check the facts.

The newspaper l’Evénement must understand one thing: if you don’t master a subject, you don’t venture into it.

The Government of Burkina Faso has not made a mistake by instituting a «general mobilization» to control the freedom of expression (of the press), which some citizens abused

H. Nelchael