Burkina Faso student union suspended amid arrests and terror charges
Burkina Faso suspends student union after arrests and terror allegations
In a move that has intensified tensions in Burkina Faso, the government has suspended the Union générale des étudiants burkinabè (Ugeb) for three months, renewable, following the arrest of several members. The decision came after Ugeb publicly criticized the military regime’s inability to restore security, despite promises made by Captain Ibrahim Traoré after seizing power in a coup.
On the eve of the 36th anniversary of the assassination of student activist Dabo Boukary under former President Blaise Compaoré’s regime, Ugeb issued a statement denouncing the current administration’s failures. Days later, individuals dressed in civilian clothing and armed reportedly detained students in a forceful and illegal manner, including the union’s president, according to Ugeb’s account.
Government accuses union of terrorism amid crackdown on dissent
Following the arrests, the government accused Ugeb of apology for terrorism and suspended its activities. The Ministry of Territorial Administration imposed the ban, preventing the union from organizing any events during the suspension period. The prosecutor’s office in Ouagadougou has since opened a judicial investigation, citing the gravity of the alleged offenses.
According to the prosecutor, the actions could be classified as criminal offenses under Burkina Faso’s penal code, specifically targeting efforts to undermine the morale of defense and security forces. Publicly endorsing terrorism is punishable by one to ten years in prison, the prosecutor emphasized.
Escalating tensions in Burkina Faso’s political landscape
The suspension of Ugeb reflects a broader trend of tightening restrictions on civil society and political expression in Burkina Faso. Recent months have seen a wave of sanctions against hundreds of associations, signaling a government crackdown on perceived dissent. The case against Ugeb underscores the regime’s firm stance against criticism, particularly when framed as a threat to national stability.