The arrest of a prominent Sunni imam in the capital has sent shockwaves through Burkina Faso. Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, a widely respected religious figure and president of the country’s Sunni Ulama Association, was detained in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, May 26, by masked security forces and taken to an undisclosed location. The timing—just two days before the Eid al-Fitr celebrations—has amplified public concern.
The arrest follows a widely circulated video in which Kindo publicly criticized the Burkina Faso government’s newly adopted religious freedoms bill, passed on March 19. In his remarks, he urged authorities to “reconsider their actions and reflect on the consequences of restricting religious liberties.”
Violent arrest triggers protests
Witnesses described the operation as aggressive. Around 2:00 PM local time, plainclothes officers and masked military personnel stormed the location where Kindo was present, prompting resistance from nearby worshippers. Tensions escalated quickly, resulting in several injuries among the faithful. “The scene was chaotic,” recounted a local observer. “People tried to intervene, but the security forces acted with excessive force.”
The Fédération des Associations Islamiques du Burkina (FAIB) issued a statement shortly after the incident, confirming the arrest but noting that no official charges had been disclosed. The organization stated it had filed formal requests with authorities to clarify the situation and secure Kindo’s release.
Public outcry and government silence
Within hours, hundreds of Ouagadougou residents took to the streets, demanding the imam’s immediate freedom. Protesters chanted slogans outside key government buildings, but the demonstration was swiftly dispersed using tear gas. The FAIB called for calm, urging followers to remain peaceful and avoid further escalation.
As of now, no government spokesperson or official institution has commented on Kindo’s detention. Meanwhile, President Ibrahim Traoré marked the Eid al-Fitr holiday with a national address, praising security forces for their fight against jihadist groups. He warned against any attempts to undermine national stability, stressing that those who do would face “full accountability.”
Controversial religious freedoms bill
The law that sparked Kindo’s criticism was adopted in a cabinet meeting on March 19. Designed to regulate religious practices, it aims to curb online hate speech, radicalization, and extremist propaganda while preserving freedom of worship. Authorities argue the bill is necessary to strengthen national cohesion and prevent abuses.
Among its key provisions is a ban on constructing religious buildings within public administration facilities—with exceptions for hospitals, prisons, and military barracks. Authorities insist that prayer in public spaces remains permitted, provided it respects others’ beliefs. However, critics argue the law is overly restrictive and disproportionately targets Muslim communities.
The arrest of Mohamad Ishaq Kindo comes amid a broader pattern of silencing dissent in Burkina Faso, where military rule under Captain Ibrahim Traoré has intensified since 2022. The government justifies its crackdown as essential to combating the decade-long insurgency that has devastated large parts of the country.
