The detention of influential Sunni imam Mohamed Ishaq Kindo in Burkina Faso on the eve of Eid al-Adha has intensified concerns about the military government’s crackdown on dissent. The circumstances surrounding his arrest remain shrouded in mystery, with no official explanation provided. Yet, the Federation of Islamic Associations (FAIB) has already urged calm and respect for state institutions.

Witnesses reported that the imam was taken into custody on May 26 around 2 p.m. by masked police and military personnel. Attempts by followers to intervene sparked clashes that left several people injured.

The situation has been tense for months due to a controversial religious freedom bill that has divided public opinion. The proposed law seeks to reaffirm the secular nature of the state, regulate places of worship in public institutions, and combat certain extremist trends. Muslim associations, in particular, have opposed the measures and demanded their withdrawal.

Audio recordings attributed to Imam Kindo have circulated this week, in which he urges authorities to “reflect more deeply on the consequences of their actions before proceeding.”

Within hours of his arrest, a solidarity protest in support of the imam in Ouagadougou was forcibly dispersed using tear gas.

The pattern of suppression extends beyond this case. In late March, Imam Mahmoud Barro also vanished after criticizing the same draft law.

Another sign of growing repression is the three-month suspension of the General Union of Burkinabè Students (Ugeb), renewable, on charges of “apology for terrorism.”

The suspension stems from a statement denouncing the government’s “clear inability to address insecurity” and the unfulfilled promises made by authorities.

Human Rights Watch urges sanctions to be lifted

Human Rights Watch has highlighted the Ugeb’s long-standing role since its founding in 1960 as a “vital voice in broader struggles for transparency and social justice.”

A prosecutor in Ouagadougou announced an investigation into “the author or authors” of the Ugeb’s statement. A Burkinabè national in exile, quoted by HRW, described this case as further evidence that judicial authorities are “increasingly subordinated to the political and security agenda of the junta.”

The human rights organization is calling for the sanctions against the Ugeb to be dropped and for an end to the suppression of independent voices and fundamental freedoms. HRW argues that “silencing students will not resolve the escalating security and governance crisis in Burkina Faso, particularly the surge in attacks by Islamist insurgents.”

Last month, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) called on Burkinabè authorities to “guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals in Burkina Faso.” So far, this appeal appears to have fallen on deaf ears. Instead, fear is seeping into society.

Journalists are increasingly struggling to find people willing to speak on the record, as the risks are real. Yet, dissent persists—quietly on social media and in private conversations among Burkinabè citizens.