Burkina Faso mourns the passing of legal and cultural icon Frédéric Titinga Pacéré
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Renowned lawyer, writer, and cultural figure Me Frédéric Titinga Pacéré, the first lawyer and inaugural bâtonnier of Burkina Faso, has passed away at the age of 81.
The Barreau du Burkina confirmed his death on November 8, 2024, in a heartfelt statement.
“The sky has darkened over our Barreau this late morning of November 8, 2024.
Our Dean, Bâtonnier Frédéric Titinga Pacéré, Burkina’s First Lawyer and our Order’s First Bâtonnier, has passed away, standing tall at the bar of Justice and Peace,” stated Me Batibié Naon in an emotional communiqué.
The government, which confirmed the news, expressed its deep sorrow, describing Pacéré as “an eminent lawyer, a man of letters, culture, and the arts—a Living Human Treasure.”
President Ibrahim Traoré paid tribute to Pacéré’s immense contributions to Burkina Faso’s judicial system and his pivotal role in mentoring generations of lawyers and magistrates.
“In these painful moments, I bow before the memory of this remarkable man, deeply rooted in tradition and a staunch defender of culture, who tirelessly worked to valorize indigenous knowledge and promote traditional values,” President Traoré remarked.
The government hailed Pacéré’s legacy as a monumental figure within Burkinabè and African culture, whose impact spanned the judicial, literary, and artistic realms.
Authorities emphasized his contributions to the enrichment of national culture and the recognition of African artistic expression.
“Through the magnitude of his work, he not only played a key role in building the legal and judicial framework in our country and the continent but also significantly enriched our cultural heritage,” government representatives added.
Condolences poured in from the government and the Barreau du Burkina, extending sympathies to Pacéré’s family and loved ones.
Born on December 31, 1943, in Haute-Volta (modern-day Burkina Faso), Frédéric Titinga Pacéré was not only a pioneering lawyer but also a respected writer, poet, and traditional leader whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
