Ouagadougou, november 28, 2025 – The Economic and Financial Judicial Division’s prosecution office held a press conference today in Ouagadougou to provide an update on a significant public funds embezzlement case involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity. The conference also served to present the division’s activity report for the 2024-2025 judicial year.
Regarding the prominent case dubbed “Camille Yaké Yé and others,” the prosecution declared that investigations have concluded. These probes centered on alleged acts of public funds misappropriation, illicit enrichment, forgery of public documents, and money laundering.
Eight individuals have been formally indicted and referred to the specialized judgment chamber of the Ecofi pole, following an instruction judge’s order dated November 17, 2025. Among the accused are former minister Laure Zongo/Hien, alongside current and former officials from the ministry.
The allegations specifically pertain to the management of a dedicated fund intended for purchasing food supplies for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Investigations have uncovered a pattern of irregularities, including fictitious expenditures, systematic overbilling, and the personal diversion of fuel resources.
This legal proceeding builds upon an earlier judicial phase that led to the conviction of Amidou Tiégnan and several co-defendants. Their initial verdict was largely upheld by the appeals court, setting a precedent for the current prosecution.
Read also 👉Humanitarian funds scandal: suspects charged and assets seized at the ministry
The trial is officially slated to take place during the judicial session from December 12 to 22, 2025. Despite an appeal lodged by one of the defendants, the prosecution views this action as a delaying tactic. They reiterate their firm commitment to ensuring the case is judged within the established timeframe, upholding principles of transparency and restoring public confidence.
In its annual review, the Economic and Financial Judicial Division reported processing 80 cases involving 229 defendants between October 2024 and July 2025, resulting in 176 convictions.
Fines levied exceeded 15 billion FCFA, with damages awarded totaling over 2.8 billion FCFA. Asset seizures included 63 properties, various vehicles, and 243 million FCFA in cash. Through various transactions, more than 15.6 billion FCFA was successfully recovered for the public treasury, underscoring the division’s impact on combating financial malfeasance.
Further reading 👉Humanitarian funds trial: Amidou Tiégnan sentenced to 11 years in prison
For the upcoming 2025-2026 judicial year, the prosecution has announced enhanced efforts against economic crime. Their strategy will focus on expediting legal procedures and optimizing asset recovery, reaffirming their dedication to safeguarding public funds and punishing all forms of corruption, regardless of rank or position.
