An arrest making significant waves across Burkina Faso has seen Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, a prominent Sunni imam and preacher, taken into custody in Ouagadougou. Police officers apprehended him on Tuesday, May 26, and transported him to an undisclosed location. This detention occurred just two days after Imam Kindo publicly criticized a new bill on religious freedoms, which had been adopted on March 19. This information comes from individuals close to the imam and a Muslim organization with which he is affiliated.

In a statement released hours after the incident, the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB) confirmed that Imam Kindo, who also serves as the president of the country’s Sunni Ulemas, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon. The FAIB noted that the circumstances and official reasons for his arrest have not yet been communicated. The federation stated it has initiated necessary procedures with competent authorities to obtain precise information and a favorable resolution.

Forceful arrest in Ouagadougou

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 important Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. The operation involved “security personnel, including police officers and masked soldiers.” The witness described the arrest as “violent,” as worshippers around the imam resisted, leading to heightened tension. Another individual close to Imam Kindo regretted that “several Muslim faithful were injured during the arrest.”

Notably, a recording of Imam Kindo’s teaching had circulated widely on social media two days prior. In the recording, he condemned the religious freedom bill passed in March and urged authorities to “further question the scope of their actions before acting.” He specifically declared, “Let everyone beware and refrain from wanting to prohibit prayers in public places. Whether you are a leader or a strong man, you have neither the strength nor the power of God.”

Community tensions rise in Burkina Faso

The arrest has been met with strong disapproval within the community. Hours after his detention, hundreds of people demonstrated in Ouagadougou, demanding his release, according to local residents. A protester reported that the demonstration was dispersed with tear gas. The FAIB has since called on “all Muslim faithful to remain calm, restrained, and serene.”

No official reaction

The day after the events, which coincided with Eid al-Adha (also known as Tabaski), calm appears to have returned to the community, which is closely following the religious leader’s case. After performing his Tabaski prayer, the President of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, addressed the nation on social media. While paying tribute to the security forces combating jihadism, the Head of State also issued a stern warning to “enemies of the Nation” against any attempts to attack, discourage fighting forces, or cause any other form of disruption to the country’s progress. He emphasized that anyone adopting such a stance would “assume full responsibility and all consequences that will ensue.” As of now, there has been no official reaction regarding Imam Kindo’s arrest.

New law prohibits public service places of worship

The religious freedom bill in Burkina Faso, which is believed to be connected to the influential imam’s situation, was adopted by the Council of Ministers on March 19. The legislation aims to regulate the exercise of religious freedoms to prevent certain excesses observed on social media and to guarantee religious liberty. This document has received mixed reactions. Mariem Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs for Burkina, was interviewed by RTB, attempting to reassure the public. She indicated that the text itself is not new but has been updated “in the face of radicalism and violent extremism,” as well as “hate speech and discourteous remarks online.” Authorities hope this bill will regularize and end these excesses, thereby strengthening national cohesion.

Burkina Faso, like many African nations, maintains a secular state, ensuring equality among all religious confessions. The new bill specifically prohibits the construction of places of worship within public services, with exceptions for healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, barracks, and military camps. Given the inability to erect places of worship for all denominations within the administration, the state has opted for a complete prohibition. However, authorities have clarified that praying in public spaces is not forbidden, provided it respects the beliefs of others.

Since Ibrahim Traoré assumed power, several notable disappearances of voices critical of the regime have been reported, impacting Burkina security and public discourse. Authorities often justify their repressive policies by citing the decade-long war against jihadist groups active across much of the country. Burkina Faso has been governed by a military regime led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré for nearly four years, a key factor in current West Africa Burkina news today.