Focus Sahel Plus : l’espace civique sous pression dans l’AES

In Burkina Faso, the recent arrest of Imam Mohamed Ishaq Kindo and the subsequent suspension of the nation’s leading student union underscore a significant tightening of the military regime’s control. The past week has been marked by escalating tensions and a palpable erosion of fundamental freedoms. This is the focus of our special report on the Sahel region, which you can also follow live in our DW evening news broadcast at 5 PM UTC.

Imam Kindo’s detention raises alarm

Just before the Tabaski festival, numerous witnesses reported seeing masked individuals—identified as police and military personnel—detain Imam Mohamed Ishaq Kindo at his residence. Kindo is a prominent figure in Burkina Faso, as journalist Newton Ahmed Barry, currently in exile, highlighted:

“Imam Kindo was one of the few voices within the Muslim community who, despite initially supporting Ibrahim Traoré, maintained a critical stance and continued to speak out against public decisions.”

Among his criticisms was a proposed law designed to regulate religious practices, particularly prayers in public spaces.

A distinct role from Imam Mahmoud Dicko

Some observers have drawn parallels between Imam Kindo and Mali’s Imam Mahmoud Dicko. However, Newton Ahmed Barry suggests this comparison has its limits:

“I don’t believe that was Imam Kindo’s intention or desired stature. He was more focused on a civic watch approach, addressing issues within his own domain. He is, after all, a member of the Ulema of the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB), tasked with safeguarding the tenets of the Muslim religion.”

Mounting tensions and the spread of disinformation

Imam Kindo’s arrest immediately sparked public outcry. Protests by his followers led to clashes, resulting in several injuries and dozens of arrests. The Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB) repeatedly urged for calm.

Simultaneously, an information battle unfolded. A false communiqué announcing the imam’s death circulated widely but was swiftly refuted by the public prosecutor. Other content, including videos purporting to show abuses, exhibited