What we know about the arrest of Imam Mohamad Ishaq Kindo in Ouagadougou
Photo credit, YouTube screenshot
The arrest of influential Sunni imam and preacher Mohamad Ishaq Kindo in the capital of Burkina Faso has sent shockwaves through the Muslim community. The cleric was detained on Tuesday, May 26, in Ouagadougou by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location, just two days after publicly criticizing a newly adopted law regulating religious freedoms.
According to a statement from the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB), Kindo was arrested in the afternoon under unclear circumstances. The organization immediately initiated formal procedures with relevant authorities to seek clarification and advocate for his release.
Violent arrest triggers community backlash
A close associate who witnessed the operation reported that security personnel, including masked police and military officers, carried out the arrest around 2:00 PM local time. The intervention reportedly escalated into a confrontation as nearby worshippers resisted, resulting in injuries among the faithful.
This comes after a widely shared video of one of Kindo’s sermons surfaced online two days prior. In the recording, he condemned the March adoption of a law regulating religious practices in Burkina Faso, urging authorities to “reflect deeply on the consequences of their actions.” He specifically warned against attempts to restrict public prayers, declaring: “No leader, no matter how powerful, can stop the faithful from praying.”
Protests erupt in Ouagadougou after imam’s detention
Hours after the arrest, hundreds gathered in Ouagadougou to demand Kindo’s freedom. The demonstration was dispersed using tear gas, a protester told reporters. The FAIB called on Muslims across the country to remain calm and avoid further escalation.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s military leader addressed the nation following Eid al-Adha (Tabaski) prayers. In a social media message, he praised security forces for their ongoing fight against jihadist groups while warning potential adversaries not to undermine national stability. “Those who attempt to disrupt peace or weaken our defense will face full accountability,” he stated. To date, no official explanation has been provided regarding Kindo’s detention.
New religious freedom law fuels controversy
The law regulating religious practices, adopted by the government on March 19, aims to curb extremism and online hate speech. Authorities insist it is not a departure from Burkina Faso’s secular principles but rather an update to address rising radicalization.
Key provisions include a ban on building places of worship in public institutions except for hospitals, prisons, and military barracks. The government argues this measure prevents unequal access to religious infrastructure across different faiths.
Since the military takeover led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré nearly four years ago, several critics of the regime have disappeared. Authorities attribute such measures to the ongoing fight against jihadist violence that has devastated much of the country.
The situation surrounding Imam Kindo’s arrest continues to evolve, with tensions high within Ouagadougou’s Muslim community as they await further developments.
