The arrest of a prominent Sunni imam in Ouagadougou has sent shockwaves through the Faso. Mohamad Ishaq Kondo, a respected religious leader and president of the country’s Sunni Oulémas, was taken into custody on Tuesday, May 26, by masked security forces—including police and military personnel—during an operation shrouded in secrecy. His whereabouts remain unknown, fueling intense speculation within the Muslim community.
The arrest comes just two days after Kondo publicly criticized the new religious freedoms bill adopted by the government on March 19. In a widely circulated video message, he urged authorities to reconsider their actions, stating, “Everyone should be wary of attempting to ban prayers in public spaces. Whether you are a leader or a figure of power, you possess neither the strength nor the authority of God.”
Moments after his detention, the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB) issued a statement condemning the arrest, describing it as carried out under unclear circumstances. The organization confirmed it had initiated formal inquiries with relevant state institutions to seek transparency and a just resolution.
Violent confrontation during arrest
Witnesses reported that the operation unfolded violently around 2:00 PM local time, the day before the Eid al-Kabir celebrations. According to a close associate of the imam, security forces used excessive force, triggering resistance from nearby worshippers and resulting in injuries among the faithful. The tense scene highlighted the growing divide between religious leadership and state authorities in Burkina Faso.
The FAIB later called for calm among the Muslim community, urging restraint and serenity in the face of these events.
Community protests erupt in Ouagadougou
In response to the arrest, hundreds of Muslims gathered in the capital, Ouagadougou, demanding Kondo’s immediate release. Demonstrators chanted slogans and carried placards, only to be dispersed by tear gas after a brief standoff with security forces, according to local accounts.
The religious body reiterated its appeal for peacefulness, emphasizing the need to avoid further escalation while awaiting official explanations.
No official statement yet on imam kondo’s detention
The following day, coinciding with Eid al-Kabir, the country found itself in a fragile calm. The Burkinabe President, Ibrahim Traoré, addressed the nation via social media, paying tribute to the security forces engaged in the fight against jihadist insurgencies. He warned any adversaries of the state against attempts to undermine national unity or demoralize the armed forces, declaring that such actions would carry severe consequences.
Despite mounting pressure from civil society and religious groups, there has been no official comment regarding the detention of Imam Kondo or the reasons behind it.
New religious freedoms law under scrutiny
The controversial law regulating religious liberties, which Kondo had publicly denounced, was adopted by the Council of Ministers on March 19. Designed to curb extremism, hate speech, and online incitement, the legislation seeks to strengthen national cohesion by imposing restrictions on the establishment of religious buildings within public institutions.
Mariem Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs, defended the law, explaining it had been revised in response to rising radicalization and violent extremism. She noted that while prayers remain permitted in public spaces, the construction of new places of worship—except in healthcare facilities, prisons, barracks, and military camps—is now prohibited to ensure state neutrality and religious equality.
This legal shift reflects the government’s broader strategy to counter religious radicalization amid ongoing security challenges. Since the military takeover led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré nearly four years ago, Burkina Faso has faced persistent instability, with state authorities increasingly using restrictive measures to maintain public order.