Controversial detention of prominent Sunni imam Mohamad Kindo in Burkina Faso

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An arrest that has sent shockwaves through Burkina Faso. Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, a highly respected Sunni imam and influential preacher, was taken into custody in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, May 26, by masked security forces. His whereabouts remain undisclosed, fueling widespread speculation.

The detention occurred just two days after Kindo publicly criticized the newly adopted religious freedoms bill, passed on March 19, which sparked intense debate within Muslim communities.

The Federation of Islamic Associations in Burkina (FAIB) issued a statement hours after the incident, confirming Kindo’s arrest “under unclear circumstances” while emphasizing that no official justification has been provided. The organization announced it had initiated “necessary steps with competent authorities to obtain precise information and a favorable outcome.”

Violent arrest and immediate backlash

A close associate present during the operation described how security personnel—including police and masked soldiers—conducted the arrest around 2:00 PM local time, just one day before Eid al-Adha. The operation turned confrontational as supporters attempted to intervene, resulting in injuries among the worshippers.

“The scene was chaotic,” the witness recounted. “Fans tried to block the officers, leading to clashes that left several people hurt.”

Two days prior, a viral recording of Kindo’s sermon circulated widely online, where he condemned the new law, warning authorities to “reflect deeply on the impact of their actions before proceeding.”

Public protests erupt in Ouagadougou

Within hours of the arrest, hundreds of Muslims gathered in Ouagadougou, demanding Kindo’s immediate release. Demonstrators were dispersed using tear gas, according to eyewitnesses.

The FAIB urged followers to remain calm, calling for “restraint and serenity” amid rising tensions.

No official response from authorities

The following day, coinciding with Eid al-Adha, calm gradually returned to the community as attention focused on the detained religious leader’s case.

Following the Tabaski prayers, Burkina Faso’s President addressed the nation via social media. While praising security forces for their anti-jihadist efforts, he sternly warned against any threats to national stability, declaring that “anyone attempting to undermine security will face full consequences.”

As of now, no official statement regarding Kindo’s detention has been released.

Controversial new religious law

The law in question, adopted by the Council of Ministers on March 19, aims to regulate religious practices and curb online hate speech and extremism. Authorities claim the updated legislation responds to growing radicalization and violent extremism threats.

Under the new rules, erecting places of worship within public institutions is prohibited, except in hospitals, prisons, and military facilities. The government maintains that while public prayer remains permitted, respect for other faiths is mandatory.

Since seizing power nearly four years ago, the military-led administration under Captain Ibrahim Traoré has faced criticism for suppressing dissent under the pretext of combating jihadist insurgencies that have plagued much of the country.