Tenkodogo:The Fada N'Gourma Court of Appeal is conducting a mobile court hearing in Tenkodogo from October 12 to 17, 2026, to address 22 cases involving 53 defendants. This initiative is designed to bring justice closer to the people, expedite legal proceedings, and ensure fair trials, according to Deputy Prosecutor General Amidou Banhoro.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this mobile session addresses criminal cases previously judged at first instance by the High Court of Tenkodogo, with decisions now under appeal. The second-instance court aims to make rulings on these appeals.
Deputy Attorney General Amidou Banhoro emphasized that holding the hearing in Tenkodogo is crucial for accessibility and speedy justice. The presence of judicial actors from Fada N'Gourma in Tenkodogo facilitates case examinations and strengthens the judicial institution's connection with the local population.
The Court of Appeal of Fada N'Gourma serves as a second-instance court, covering the High Courts of Tenkodogo, Koupla, Fada N'Gourma, Diapaga, and Bogand, along with the Labour Court of Fada N'Gourma and juvenile judge chambers. Decisions from these courts can be appealed to the Court of Appeal, with further recourse to the Court of Cassation in Ouagadougou if disputes arise.
The session underscores fair trial guarantees, highlighting adversarial debate as a crucial component. All parties, plaintiffs or defendants, have the right to legal representation, supported by a legal aid system for those lacking resources, funded by the legal aid fund.
Cases primarily involve offenses against persons, such as assault and battery, death threats, and property offenses, including willful destruction and forgery. Deputy Prosecutor Banhoro clarified that this is a correctional hearing, judging offenses and contraventions rather than crimes, in line with new criminal procedure and judicial organization texts.
Concluding on October 17, 2026, this mobile court hearing reflects efforts to make justice more accessible while upholding parties' rights, the presumption of innocence, and procedural rules.