Gambiaj.com – (BOBO-DIOULASSO, Burkina Faso) – In a startling move reflecting the intensifying crackdown on dissent, the regime of Captain Ibrahim Traoré has ordered several key judicial figures to serve on the frontlines of Burkina Faso’s ongoing conflict with armed rebels. This marks the latest in a series of repressive actions targeting various segments of society, including civil society actors, politicians, and journalists.

At least five magistrates have been issued requisition orders to join military forces battling armed groups, according to a report by Radio France Internationale (RFI) on Tuesday, August 13th. Among them is Abdoul Gafarou Nacro, a deputy public prosecutor in Bobo-Dioulasso. His requisition order, dated August 9th but only made public on the evening of August 12th, mandates that he report for duty this Wednesday.

Nacro is to be deployed to the northern security forces group stationed in Kaya for a renewable three-month term. The order was signed by Colonel Moussa Diallo, the commanding officer of national operations.

RFI’s sources indicate that the other four magistrates targeted by similar orders are being punished for actions that displeased the ruling authorities. This follows Captain Traoré’s declaration on July 11th of his intent to reform the judiciary under the guise of fighting corruption.

During his policy speech, Traoré emphasized his determination to retain power for the next five years, stating, “The battle will be waged, and we count on honest magistrates to do their work sincerely and expel the corrupt, the sellouts, and the swindlers from their ranks. If a bad decision is made, supposedly to protect certain individuals who harm the nation, we will oppose it and ensure it is not enforced.”

The regime’s actions appear to be in response to continued resistance from judicial unions, which have repeatedly condemned the government’s authoritarian measures as contrary to the rule of law. In his efforts to reshape the judiciary, Captain Traoré has also announced plans to revise the Penal Code, further tightening his grip on power.

RFI