A close relative to former minister Viviane Yolande Compaore/Ouedraogo has confessed to her murder, which occurred on January 10 in the Karpala neighbourhood of Ouagadougou, according to the prosecutor of Faso at the Ouaga II High Court, Lafama Prosper Thiombiano, on Monday.
The alleged perpetrator, Wendpanga Yanick Bougouma, 26, a homeless shop assistant, was arrested on January 13, 2026, at the STAF transport station in Gounghin as part of a probe for a flagrant offense.
The probe was conducted by the 12th District police station.
At the time of his arrest, the suspect was in a drug-induced stupor and was placed under observation for 72 hours before his hearing.
After initially denying the charges, he eventually gave a detailed confession, according to the prosecutor’s office.
According to the prosecutor’s account, the individual broke into the victim’s home at night by climbing over the perimeter wall.
He allegedly surprised the former minister in her bedroom, first strangling her, and then slitting her throat with a knife to ensure she was dead.
During his escape, the suspect took several items, including three cell phones, a tablet, a handbag, and 50,000 FCFA.
These items, found in his possession, were formally identified as belonging to the victim. The suspect’s stated motive involved professional resentment and family ties.
He accuses the deceased of being responsible for his dismissal from the STAF company and of subjecting him to repeated humiliations. He also acknowledged a family connection to the victim, as his paternal grandmother was her maternal half-sister.
Prosecutor Thiombiano praised the professionalism of the police and the cooperation of the public, stating that the legal proceedings are continuing so that justice can be served.
HO/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA