A significant arrest has sent ripples across Burkina Faso. Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, a prominent Sunni imam and preacher, was apprehended on Tuesday, May 26th, in Ouagadougou by police officers and taken to an undisclosed location. This arrest, a major piece of Faso news today, occurred just two days after he voiced strong criticism against the religious freedom bill, which was passed on March 19th. This information comes from individuals close to the imam and a Muslim organization with which he is affiliated.

According to a statement issued by the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB) hours after the incident, Imam Kindo, who also serves as the president of the country’s Sunni Ulema, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon under “circumstances for which the reasons have not yet been officially communicated.”

The FAIB further stated that it has “undertaken the necessary steps with the competent authorities to obtain precise information and a favorable outcome.”

Forceful apprehension

A close associate, who witnessed the arrest, reported that it took place around 2:00 PM (GMT and local time), on the eve of the important Muslim holiday of Eid. The operation was carried out by “security personnel, including police officers and masked soldiers.”

“It was violent because the faithful who were around him resisted, which led to tension,” the associate explained.

Another individual close to the imam lamented “injuries among Muslim faithful during the arrest.”

It is worth recalling that an audio recording of Imam Kindo’s teachings had been widely circulated on social media two days prior. In the recording, he condemned the adoption of the religious freedom bill in March, which aims to regulate the exercise of religious liberties in Burkina Faso. He had urged authorities to “further question the implications of their actions before acting.”

“Let everyone beware and refrain from seeking to prohibit prayers in public places. Whether you are a leader or a strongman, you have neither the strength nor the power of God,” he notably declared.

Growing tensions

This arrest has been met with significant disapproval within the community. Hours after his apprehension, hundreds of people demonstrated in Ouagadougou, demanding his release, according to local residents. The protest was dispersed with tear gas, as reported by a demonstrator.