Mohamad Ishaq Kindo: what we know about the sunnite imam’s arrest in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has been shaken by a controversial arrest. Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, a prominent Sunni imam and preacher, was detained by security forces in Ouagadougou on May 26 and taken to an undisclosed location. The arrest occurred just two days after he publicly criticized the newly adopted religious freedoms law, passed on March 19, according to close associates and a Muslim organization he works with.

The Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina Faso (FAIB) released a statement hours after the incident, confirming Kindo’s arrest “under circumstances where official motives remain undisclosed.” The organization stated it had “initiated necessary steps with competent authorities to obtain precise information and secure a favorable outcome.”

Violent apprehension

A witness close to the imam reported that the arrest took place around 2:00 PM local time, just before the Eid al-Adha celebrations. The operation involved “security personnel, including masked police and military officers,” and led to clashes with his followers.

“The situation turned tense as believers attempted to intervene,” the witness explained. Another associate confirmed that “several Muslim worshippers were injured during the arrest.”

Days earlier, a video of one of Kindo’s teachings had circulated widely on social media. In it, he condemned the new law regulating religious freedoms in Burkina Faso and warned authorities to “reconsider the consequences of their actions before proceeding.”

Among his remarks, he declared: “Let everyone beware of attempting to ban public prayers. Whether you are a leader or a powerful figure, you possess neither the strength nor the power of God.”

Public outrage and official silence

The arrest has ignited strong reactions within the Muslim community. Hours after the detention, hundreds gathered in Ouagadougou to demand his release, witnesses said. The protest was dispersed using tear gas, according to a participant.

The FAIB called on Muslims to remain calm and avoid escalation, urging “restraint and serenity” amid the tension.

As of now, no official statement has been issued regarding the imam’s situation. The following day, coinciding with Eid al-Adha, President Ibrahim Traoré addressed the nation via social media. While praising security forces fighting jihadist groups, he warned against any attempts to undermine national stability or discourage combatants.

“Those who engage in such behavior will bear full responsibility and face all resulting consequences,” he stated firmly.

New religious freedoms law under scrutiny

The law adopted on March 19 aims to regulate religious practices in Burkina Faso, addressing concerns about online radicalization, hate speech, and extremism. Mariem Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs, described the updated legislation as a response to “violent extremism and online incitement.”

The law prohibits the construction of religious buildings in public administration facilities, except in health centers, prisons, military barracks, and camps. Authorities clarified that public prayer remains permitted, provided it respects the beliefs of others.

Since the military takeover led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré nearly four years ago, Burkina Faso has seen a rise in the suppression of dissenting voices, with authorities citing the ongoing fight against jihadist insurgencies across much of the country.