The article I am proposing here deals with the spectacular escape of a traditional healer in Burkina Faso. During the night from Friday to Saturday, Amsetou Nikiema managed to escape with the help of soldiers. This escape follows his arrest as well as that of around ten other people for acts of violence and torture against an individual, broadcast on social networks.
On Friday evening, while the accused were waiting to be taken into custody, the courthouse was surrounded by armed soldiers, who demanded the release of the healer. Prison security guards objected, but finally, in the early hours of Saturday morning, Amsetou Nikiema was taken from the van and handed over to soldiers allegedly belonging to the National Intelligence Agency.
This escape provoked the anger of the Burkinabé justice community. Lawyers, court clerks and the Burkinabè human rights movement have all condemned this event. The magistrates have even suspended their activities in all jurisdictions and are demanding the return of the healer to the remand center.
Faced with the seriousness of the facts and this new attack on the independence of justice, the Faso prosecutor requested the opening of an investigation for escape, complicity in escape and discrediting a judicial act.
This escape also raises questions about the current climate in Burkina Faso. Rasmane Zinaba, member of the National Coordination of the Citizen Balai, denounces the mixing of genres between the army and the justice system, and highlights the need to preserve the fundamental principles of the rule of law.
This case highlights the tensions between the justice system and the military in Burkina Faso, but it also underlines the importance of guaranteeing judicial independence to ensure true protection of human rights and democratic functioning of the State. It is essential that thorough investigations are carried out and accountability established in order to prevent such events in the future.
Eye-catching introduction:
“The spectacular escape of a traditional healer in Burkina Faso shakes the country. In the midst of the tumult, soldiers helped Amsetou Nikiema to escape, highlighting the tensions between justice and the army. A look back at a case which raises serious questions about the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in the country.”