On May 26, a prominent Sunni imam and preacher, Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, was detained in Ouagadougou during a highly publicized operation involving masked security personnel. The arrest occurred just two days after he publicly criticized a new religious freedoms bill passed by the government on March 19, according to close associates and a leading Muslim organization.
The Fédération des associations islamiques du Burkina (FAIB) released a statement shortly after the incident, confirming Kindo’s detention but noting that officials had not yet disclosed the reasons behind it. The organization stated it had initiated formal inquiries with relevant authorities to seek clarity and ensure due process.
Violent arrest triggers community backlash
A witness present during the operation described the scene as chaotic. Around 2:00 PM local time—the day before Eid al-Fitr—security forces, including masked police and military personnel, arrived to take Kindo into custody. The confrontation escalated as supporters attempted to intervene, leading to injuries among the worshippers.
In a widely circulated recording from two days prior to his arrest, Kindo had condemned the new religious freedoms law, urging authorities to reflect on the consequences of their actions. He emphasized, “No leader, no strongman, possesses the power or authority to ban public prayers.”
Protests erupt as tensions rise
Within hours of Kindo’s detention, hundreds of Muslims gathered in Ouagadougou to demand his release, according to local residents. Authorities responded by dispersing the crowd with tear gas.
The FAIB called for calm, urging the Muslim community to remain composed and avoid further unrest. Meanwhile, the situation remains tense as the public awaits official updates on Kindo’s whereabouts and legal status.
Government silent on religious leader’s detention
The following day—coinciding with Tabaski (Eid al-Adha)—the President of Burkina Faso addressed the nation via social media. While praising security forces for their fight against jihadist groups, he warned against any attempts to undermine national stability, stating that those who do so would face full accountability.
As of now, no official statement has been issued regarding Kindo’s arrest, leaving many questions unanswered.
New religious freedoms law fuels controversy
The law, adopted by the cabinet on March 19, aims to regulate religious practices in response to rising concerns over online extremism, hate speech, and incitement to violence. Mariem Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs, clarified that the legislation was an updated version of existing measures, designed to combat radicalization and safeguard national cohesion.
The law prohibits the construction of religious buildings within public institutions, with limited exceptions for healthcare facilities, prisons, and military barracks. Authorities insist that public prayer remains permitted, provided it respects the beliefs of others.
Since the military takeover led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré nearly four years ago, Burkina Faso has seen a crackdown on dissent, with critics citing the government’s security-focused policies as justification. The ongoing conflict with jihadist groups across much of the country has intensified the debate over balancing security with civil liberties.