Bougouriba: Magistrate Abel Ramde has officially been installed as the President of the Diebougou High Court, concurrently serving as the President of the Administrative Court. The installation ceremony took place during a formal hearing on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Diebougou High Court (TGI).
According to Burkina Information Agency, Magistrate Ramde’s appointment was ratified by decree n°2025-0943/PF/MJDHRI/MEF on July 17, 2025, which outlines the appointment of magistrates in the courts. He succeeds Said Ismael Ouattara, the outgoing president, who personally oversaw the installation ceremony.
The event was conducted in alignment with Article 119, paragraph 1 of the law on the status of the judiciary. This article mandates that magistrates are to be installed in their roles during a solemn court hearing. The ceremony underscored the commitment to maintaining transparency and continuity in the public justice service.
The hearing adhered strictly to judicial protocol and was attended by a delegation from the High Council of the Judiciary, along with judicial, administrative, military, paramilitary, customary, and religious authorities, as well as numerous litigants.
In his speech, President Ramde acknowledged the sacrifices of those who have defended the nation and expressed his gratitude to the High Council of the Judiciary for the trust placed in him. He emphasized the significance of his responsibilities, particularly given the court’s border jurisdiction and the ongoing security challenges. Ramde pledged to approach his role with dedication and loyalty to ensure that justice is served.
Magistrate Ramde articulated his focus on addressing two main challenges: building on the achievements of his predecessors and enhancing the court’s performance to bolster public confidence. He stressed the importance of collective effort and teamwork in achieving these goals.
Said Ismael Ouattara, the outgoing president, leaves behind a jurisdiction that has reached a high level of performance, with the Diebougou TGI having been ranked first in the national ranking of high courts in Burkina Faso.
The public prosecutor at the Diebougou High Court, Idrissa Sebgo, commended President Ramde’s abilities, emphasizing his listening skills, availability, and diligence. Sebgo expressed confidence that these attributes would help maintain the court’s efficiency and reiterated the commitment to a collaborative justice system that serves the people effectively.
The jurisdiction of the TGI of Diebougou encompasses the provinces of Bougouriba and Ioba, where the population views the justice system as the last bastion of truth and fairness.
Prior to his appointment in Diebougou, Magistrate Abel Ramde served as a judge at the High Court of Leo.