The detention of Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, a prominent Sunni imam and preacher, has drawn significant attention across Burkina Faso. Kindo was apprehended on Tuesday, May 26, in Ouagadougou by police officers and taken to an undisclosed location. This arrest occurred just two days after he voiced criticism regarding a new bill on religious freedoms, which was adopted on March 19, according to individuals close to him and a Muslim organization with which he is affiliated.
The Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB) issued a statement shortly after the incident, confirming that Imam Kindo, who also serves as the president of the country’s Sunni Ulamas, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon under “circumstances for which the motives have not yet been officially communicated.”
The FAIB emphasized that it has “initiated the necessary steps with the competent authorities to obtain precise information and a favorable outcome.”
Forceful apprehension
A close associate, who witnessed the arrest, reported that it took place around 2:00 PM (GMT and local time), on the eve of the significant Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. The operation was carried out by “security personnel, including police and masked soldiers.”
“It was violent, as worshippers around him resisted, which led to tension,” the associate further explained.
Another individual close to the imam lamented that “several Muslim faithful were injured during the arrest.”
It is important to note that two days prior to his arrest, an audio recording of Imam Kindo’s teachings had been widely circulated across social media platforms.
In the recording, he strongly criticized the religious freedom bill passed in March, which aims to regulate the exercise of religious liberties in Burkina Faso. He urged the authorities to “further consider the implications of their actions before proceeding.”
Specifically, he declared, “Let everyone be wary and abstain from seeking to prohibit prayers in public spaces. Whether you are a leader or a powerful figure, you possess neither the might nor the strength of God.”
Rising tensions
This arrest has been met with considerable disapproval within the Muslim community. Hours after his detention, hundreds of people gathered in Ouagadougou to protest, demanding his immediate release, according to local residents.
The demonstration was dispersed using tear gas, a protestor confirmed.
The FAIB has called upon “all Muslim faithful to remain calm, exercise restraint, and maintain serenity.”
No official government response
The day following the incident, which coincided with Eid al-Adha, also known as Tabaski, a sense of calm appears to have returned among the community as they closely monitor the religious leader’s case.
After performing his Tabaski prayers, the President of Burkina Faso shared a message on social media.
While commending the security forces battling jihadism, the Head of State also issued a stern warning to the nation’s adversaries against any attempts to attack, demoralize fighting forces, or otherwise disrupt the country’s progress.
He asserted that anyone adopting such a stance would “bear full responsibility and all consequences that ensue.” As of now, there has been no official government comment specifically regarding Imam Kindo’s arrest.
Restrictions on places of worship in public services
It is important to highlight that the religious freedom bill in Burkina Faso, which is at the heart of the influential imam’s predicament, was adopted by the Council of Ministers on March 19.
The legislation aims to regulate the exercise of religious liberties to prevent certain abuses observed on social networks and to safeguard freedom of religion.
This document has received mixed reactions. Mariem Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs of Burkina Faso, in an interview, sought to reassure the public by stating that the text itself is not entirely new but has been updated “in the face of radicalism and violent extremism.”
She further added that the update also addresses “hate speech and discourteous discourse online.”
Authorities hope that this bill will regularize and put an end to these excesses, thereby strengthening national cohesion.
In Burkina Faso, similar to many other countries on the continent, the state maintains a secular stance, ensuring equality among all religious confessions.
The new bill specifically prohibits the construction of places of worship within public service facilities, with exceptions made for health institutions, correctional facilities, barracks, and military camps.
Due to the impracticality of establishing places of worship for all faiths within government administration, the state has opted for a complete prohibition.
However, authorities have clarified that praying in public spaces is not forbidden, provided it is done respectfully of others’ beliefs.
Since Ibrahim Traoré assumed power, several notable disappearances of individuals critical of the regime have been reported.
The authorities justify their repressive policies by citing the ongoing war against jihadist groups, which have been active across a significant portion of the country for over a decade.
Burkina Faso has been under military rule, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for nearly four years.