The detention of Imam Mohamed Kindo on Tuesday afternoon, around 2 PM, has sparked significant unrest in Burkina Faso’s capital. This incident is the latest in a series of controversial arrests that have raised concerns across the nation.

Earlier in mid-April, Imam Mahmoud Barro was similarly apprehended in Bobo Dioulasso. Even more tragically, on March 31, Mahamadi Baguian, a cyber-activist known for his support of the government, died following his arrest by police in Ouagadougou. These three cases are intricately linked to a contentious piece of legislation currently championed by the government.

The proposed law aims to regulate religious freedoms within the country, specifically seeking to prohibit the practice of worship in public service environments. This includes government administrations, healthcare facilities, and military barracks. The bill, which was officially adopted by the Council of Ministers on March 19, has ignited widespread controversy, particularly among the Sunni Muslim community, where Imam Kindo holds considerable influence as a leading figure.

Imam Kindo had been a vocal critic of this new text, and his turbulent arrest occurred just on the eve of Tabaski. In response, hundreds of his followers rapidly mobilized, taking to the streets of the capital to demonstrate their opposition. These gatherings quickly escalated into clashes with security forces, who resorted to deploying tear gas and employing forceful dispersal tactics to clear the city center.