By Staff Reporter
Burkina Faso’s military government has ordered the closure of the main Sunni mosque in the capital, Ouagadougou, following protests over the arrest of influential Islamic preacher Mohamad Ishaq Kindo.
The decision, announced through a decree issued by the regional governor, cited concerns over potential public disorder after worshippers gathered at the mosque demanding the imam’s release. Security forces dispersed the demonstrators, and witnesses reported arrests after clashes and police pursuits across the city.
According to security sources, nearly 100 supporters of Imam Kindo have been detained in recent days and transferred to a military camp for what authorities described as “civic and citizenship training.”
Kindo was arrested on Tuesday after publicly criticizing a proposed law intended to regulate religious freedoms in the predominantly Muslim West African nation.
The protests represent one of the rare public challenges to the military leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a 2022 coup. Since taking office, Traore’s administration has faced growing accusations of suppressing dissent through arrests, intimidation, and restrictions on civil society.
Human rights groups and critics have also alleged that some detainees have been forcibly conscripted into military operations against jihadist insurgents operating across the country.
The latest developments come just days after authorities suspended Burkina Faso’s largest student union for three months and arrested its leader on allegations of “advocating terrorism.” The union had openly criticized the government’s handling of security and its increasing crackdown on opposition voices.
Despite repeated promises by the junta to restore stability and defeat armed extremist groups, Burkina Faso remains one of the countries most affected by jihadist violence in the Sahel region. Thousands continue to be killed each year, while millions have been displaced by ongoing conflict.
The closure of the mosque and mass arrests have raised fresh concerns about the state of civil liberties and religious freedom under Burkina Faso’s military rulers.
