Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09OUAGADOUGOU900
2009-10-14 16:20:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ouagadougou
Cable title:
BURKINA FASO: MILITARY COURT HANDS OUT SENTENCES
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHOU #0900 2871620 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 141620Z OCT 09 FM AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5645 INFO RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITY
UNCLAS OUAGADOUGOU 000900
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MCAP PGOV PHUM PREL UV
SUBJECT: BURKINA FASO: MILITARY COURT HANDS OUT SENTENCES
UNCLAS OUAGADOUGOU 000900
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MCAP PGOV PHUM PREL UV
SUBJECT: BURKINA FASO: MILITARY COURT HANDS OUT SENTENCES
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On October 7th a military tribunal in
Burkina Faso examined and judged nine cases involving members
of the military. In the end the judges dealt out sanctions
ranging from monetary fines of about $24 to a two-year jail
sentence for an airman deserter. The fact that these trials
were held in public, with press in attendance, and with a
mixture of civilian and military judges, shows that Burkina
Faso's military justice is willing to undergo public scrutiny
and furthermore demonstrates that the military no longer
operates in total impunity and that military members can be
brought to trial. END SUMMARY.
2. (U) On October 7 the Military Tribunal of Ouagadougou
examined nine cases implicating eleven members of the
military and three civilians. The roving military court is
composed of both civilian and military judges who together
examine each case and decide on a verdict and sentence. The
cases examined included:
- Traffic accident while driving a military vehicle (fine
of $120).
- Involuntary manslaughter while driving a military
vehicle during a Prime Minister's security escort.
(fine of $24 and 12 months suspended jail sentence).
- Desertion during time of peace (two year jail sentence
and a warrant for the airman's arrest).
- But also cases of driving infractions, corruption and
insubordination.
- The remaining cases were dismissed for lack of evidence
or no witnesses.
3. (SBU) COMMENT: The very fact that these trials occurred
in the public eye and with a mixed civilian/military court is
significant. The message communicated is clear: the
Burkinabe military has been put on notice, and through this
tribunal, and others like it held across Burkina Faso, the
soldiers are being told that they no longer benefit from
total immunity. They can NOW be held accountable for their
actions and brought before a military court.
LAEUCHLI
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MCAP PGOV PHUM PREL UV
SUBJECT: BURKINA FASO: MILITARY COURT HANDS OUT SENTENCES
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On October 7th a military tribunal in
Burkina Faso examined and judged nine cases involving members
of the military. In the end the judges dealt out sanctions
ranging from monetary fines of about $24 to a two-year jail
sentence for an airman deserter. The fact that these trials
were held in public, with press in attendance, and with a
mixture of civilian and military judges, shows that Burkina
Faso's military justice is willing to undergo public scrutiny
and furthermore demonstrates that the military no longer
operates in total impunity and that military members can be
brought to trial. END SUMMARY.
2. (U) On October 7 the Military Tribunal of Ouagadougou
examined nine cases implicating eleven members of the
military and three civilians. The roving military court is
composed of both civilian and military judges who together
examine each case and decide on a verdict and sentence. The
cases examined included:
- Traffic accident while driving a military vehicle (fine
of $120).
- Involuntary manslaughter while driving a military
vehicle during a Prime Minister's security escort.
(fine of $24 and 12 months suspended jail sentence).
- Desertion during time of peace (two year jail sentence
and a warrant for the airman's arrest).
- But also cases of driving infractions, corruption and
insubordination.
- The remaining cases were dismissed for lack of evidence
or no witnesses.
3. (SBU) COMMENT: The very fact that these trials occurred
in the public eye and with a mixed civilian/military court is
significant. The message communicated is clear: the
Burkinabe military has been put on notice, and through this
tribunal, and others like it held across Burkina Faso, the
soldiers are being told that they no longer benefit from
total immunity. They can NOW be held accountable for their
actions and brought before a military court.
LAEUCHLI