Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe dailies have given significant attention to the ongoing legal proceedings against Bala Sakand© and the selection of films for the 29th edition of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO). These topics have dominated the headlines, reflecting the public interest surrounding these events.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the organizing committee for the 29th FESPACO announced the selection of 235 films from 48 countries out of a total of 1,351 submissions. Among these, approximately thirty productions are of Burkinabe origin, highlighting the country’s active participation in the festival. L’Observateur Paalga has placed a spotlight on these films on its front page, underscoring the significance of this cultural event.

In other news, the legal proceedings against Alassane Bala Sakand©, the former President of the National Assembly, have garnered attention. The daily newspaper Le Pays reported that the prosecutor of Faso at the High Court (TGI) Ouaga 1, Bakouli Blaise Bazi©, announced during a press conference the initiation of several legal cases against Sakand©. The charges include embezzlement of public funds, overbilling, and forgery. Furthermore, L’Observateur Paalga detailed that investigations have been launched concerning the “so-called August 4 stadium affair” involving overbilling and possible conflicts of interest.

In addition, Sidwaya reported on the visit of a Japanese delegation led by Shuichi Nishino, the director of African affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation was received by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ou©draogo. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, education, and infrastructure, reflecting the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Burkina Faso and Japan.