Crédit photo, Capture écran YouTube
The arrest of Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, a prominent Sunni imam and preacher, has sent ripples across Burkina Faso. Security forces apprehended him on Tuesday, May 26, in Ouagadougou, subsequently transporting him to an undisclosed location. This significant event occurred just two days after Imam Kindo publicly voiced his opposition to a new bill concerning religious freedoms, which had been passed on March 19. Reports from his close associates and a Muslim organization with which he is affiliated confirm these details.
Hours following the incident, the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB) issued a statement. The FAIB confirmed that Imam Kindo, who also serves as the president of the country’s Sunni Ulema, was taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon. The federation noted that the circumstances surrounding the arrest and its official motives had not yet been communicated. The FAIB further stated its commitment to engaging with the relevant authorities to obtain precise information and ensure a favorable resolution to the situation.
Forceful apprehension
An individual close to Imam Kindo, who witnessed the arrest, recounted that it took place around 2:00 PM (GMT and local time) on the eve of the important Muslim holiday of Eid. The operation involved several security personnel, including uniformed police officers and masked military personnel. The witness described the apprehension as “violent,” noting that faithful followers present at the scene attempted to resist, leading to heightened tension. Another associate sadly reported that “several Muslim faithful sustained injuries during the arrest.”
Two days prior to his detention, an audio recording of Imam Kindo delivering a sermon had been widely circulated across social media platforms. In this recording, he vehemently denounced the religious freedom bill adopted in March, which aims to regulate religious practices in Burkina Faso. He urged the authorities to “further scrutinize the implications of their actions before proceeding.” Kindo notably declared, “Let everyone be wary and refrain from attempting to forbid prayers in public spaces. Whether you are a leader or a powerful individual, you possess neither the strength nor the power of God.”
Escalating community tensions
The arrest sparked considerable discontent within the Muslim community. Hours after his detention, hundreds of people gathered in Ouagadougou to protest, demanding Imam Kindo’s immediate release, according to local residents. The demonstration was ultimately dispersed by security forces using tear gas, as reported by a protester present at the scene. In response to the escalating situation, the FAIB appealed to all Muslim faithful to maintain calm, exercise restraint, and preserve serenity.
Official silence amid warnings
Crédit photo, Reuters
The day after the events, which coincided with Eid al-Adha, commonly known as Tabaski, a sense of calm appeared to return to the community. However, the faithful remain keenly focused on developments regarding their religious leader’s situation. Following his Tabaski prayer, the President of Burkina Faso shared a message on social media. While commending the security forces engaged in the fight against jihadism, the Head of State issued a stern warning to those he termed “enemies of the Nation.” He cautioned against any attempts to launch attacks, demoralize the fighting forces, or otherwise disrupt the country’s progress. He emphatically stated that anyone adopting such a posture would “bear full responsibility and all ensuing consequences.” Despite this address, there has been no official statement specifically addressing Imam Kindo’s arrest.
New law on religious freedoms sparks debate
The controversial religious freedom bill, which seemingly led to the influential imam’s predicament, was approved by the Council of Ministers on March 19. The legislation aims to regulate the exercise of religious freedom to curb perceived excesses, particularly those observed on social media, and to safeguard religious liberty. The document has elicited mixed reactions. Mariem Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs for Burkina Faso, sought to reassure the public in an interview with RTB, explaining that the text is not entirely new but rather an updated version designed to address “radicalism and violent extremism,” as well as “hateful and discourteous online discourse.” Authorities hope this bill will regularize practices and put an end to such deviations, thereby strengthening national cohesion.
In Burkina Faso, like many other nations on the continent, the state upholds a secular identity, ensuring equality among all religious confessions. The new bill specifically prohibits the construction of places of worship within public service premises, with exceptions made for healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, barracks, and military camps. This prohibition stems from the state’s inability to provide dedicated places of worship for all faiths within administrative settings, leading to a decision for a blanket ban. However, authorities have clarified that praying in public spaces remains permissible, provided it is done with respect for the beliefs of others.
Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s ascent to power, several notable disappearances of voices critical of the regime have been reported. The authorities frequently justify their repressive policies by citing the ongoing decade-long conflict against jihadist groups, which control significant portions of the country. Burkina Faso has been under military rule for nearly four years, with Captain Ibrahim Traoré at its helm, navigating complex Sahel politics and security challenges.
