What we know about the arrest of Sunni Imam Mohamad Kindo

Photo credit, YouTube screenshot

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Ouagadougou’s religious circles, prominent Sunni Imam Mohamad Ishaq Kindo was detained by security forces on Tuesday, May 26, and taken to an undisclosed location. The arrest occurred just two days after he publicly criticized the newly adopted religious freedoms bill, which was passed into law on March 19.

The Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina Faso (FAIB) issued a statement hours after the incident, revealing that Kindo, who also serves as president of the country’s Sunni Ulema Council, was apprehended in the afternoon “under circumstances where official motives remain undisclosed.”

The FAIB confirmed it had filed formal requests with relevant authorities to obtain clarity on the situation and secure a favorable resolution for the detained religious leader.

Violent arrest sparks unrest

A close associate who witnessed the operation described it as aggressive. Around 2:00 PM local time—just a day before Eid al-Adha—the imam was taken by masked security personnel, including police and military units. The confrontation escalated as supporters attempted to intervene, leading to scuffles and injuries among worshippers.

One witness reported seeing several faithful sustaining injuries during the altercation. The imam’s teachings, widely circulated online just days prior, had sharply condemned the new religious freedoms law, urging authorities to “reflect deeply on the implications of their actions.”

In his recorded sermon, he warned, “Beware of attempting to ban public prayers. Whether you are a leader or a powerful figure, you possess neither the strength nor the authority of Allah.”

Protests erupt in Ouagadougou

Public outrage over the arrest grew rapidly. Within hours, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Ouagadougou’s streets, demanding the imam’s immediate release. The protest, however, was swiftly dispersed using tear gas, according to accounts from attendees.

The FAIB issued a call for calm, urging Muslims across the country to remain composed and avoid escalating tensions. Despite the unrest, no official government statement regarding Kindo’s detention has been issued to date.

No government response yet

Photo credit, Reuters

On the day following the arrest, coinciding with Eid al-Adha, the country’s president addressed the nation via social media. While praising security forces for their fight against jihadist groups, he also issued a stern warning to “anyone who seeks to undermine national stability, discourage the armed forces, or disrupt public order.”

He emphasized that such individuals would “bear full responsibility for their actions and face all legal consequences.” To date, no official statement has been made regarding Kindo’s detention.

New religious freedoms law under scrutiny

The contentious law, adopted by the Council of Ministers on March 19, aims to regulate religious practices to curb online extremism and hate speech. Authorities claim the legislation is necessary to strengthen national cohesion amid rising radicalization.

Mariem Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs, clarified that the law is not new but an updated version addressing “violent extremism, online hate speech, and incitement to division.”

The law prohibits the construction of places of worship in public service buildings, with exceptions for healthcare facilities, prisons, and military barracks. While public prayers remain permitted, authorities insist they must respect the beliefs of others.

Since the 2022 military takeover led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso has seen a series of high-profile detentions of regime critics, all justified under the pretext of combating terrorism and preserving national security.

The country has been under military rule for nearly four years.