Burkina Faso’s anti-corruption Authority exposes widespread fraud in 2023 report
During a press conference in Ouagadougou, the Superior Authority for State Control and Anti-Corruption (ASCE-LC) of Burkina Faso unveiled its 2023 annual activity report, exposing significant financial malfeasance across government institutions.
Under the leadership of Lassané Compaoré, the agency referred 21 criminal cases to judicial authorities last year, a decrease from 29 cases in 2022, with total estimated losses to the state surpassing 25.2 billion CFA francs (roughly $38 million).
The 130-page document details investigations involving high-ranking officials, including ministers, judges, diplomats, and local elected representatives.
The cases span a wide range of financial crimes, from embezzlement and money laundering to abuse of power and illegal political financing.
Notably, one case alone involved over 13 billion CFA francs linked to Alassane Bala Sakandé, former president of the transitional legislative assembly.
A key finding of the report highlights critical gaps in Burkina Faso’s legal framework, particularly regarding conflict-of-interest violations.
While current law requires officials to disclose potential conflicts to superiors, it lacks clear penalties or enforcement mechanisms.
This loophole has proven especially problematic in public procurement processes. The ASCE-LC has called for urgent reforms, recommending the establishment of standardized conflict-of-interest registries across all ministries and public institutions.
Of the cases pursued, ten were adjudicated at the trial court level, with four reaching appellate courts. Some matters were closed without prosecution, while others were consolidated with related investigations.
The report underscores both the persistent challenges of graft in the public sector of Burkina Faso and the anti-corruption body’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability during the country’s transitional period.
Olivier TOE
