What is known about the detention of Sunni Imam Mohamad Ishaq Kindo?

A significant event has unfolded in Burkina Faso: Mohamad Ishaq Kindo, a prominent Sunni imam and preacher, was apprehended on Tuesday, May 26, in Ouagadougou. Police officers took him into custody, and his current whereabouts remain undisclosed. This arrest follows just two days after the imam publicly voiced criticism against a new bill on religious freedoms, which was passed on March 19. This information comes from individuals close to Kindo and a Muslim organization with which he is affiliated.

The Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB) issued a statement shortly after the incident, confirming that Imam Kindo, who also serves as the president of the country’s Sunni Ulemas, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon. The statement noted that the circumstances surrounding his detention, as well as the official reasons, have yet to be communicated by authorities.

The FAIB further stated that it has initiated contact with relevant government bodies to obtain precise details and ensure a favorable resolution to the situation.

Forceful apprehension

An eyewitness close to Imam Kindo recounted that the arrest took place around 2 PM (GMT and local time), on the eve of the important Muslim holiday of Eid. The operation was carried out by security personnel, including uniformed police officers and masked military members.

“It was a violent scene as the faithful who were around him resisted, leading to a tense confrontation,” the close associate elaborated.

Another individual close to the imam reported that several Muslim worshippers sustained injuries during the arrest.

Notably, a recording of Imam Kindo’s teachings had gained widespread traction on social media just two days prior. In this recording, he openly condemned the adoption of the religious freedom bill in March, urging the authorities to “reflect more deeply on the implications of their actions before proceeding.”

He specifically warned, “Let everyone be wary and refrain from attempting to prohibit prayers in public spaces. Whether you are a leader or a powerful figure, you possess neither the strength nor the power of God.”

Escalating tensions

The detention of Imam Kindo has been met with considerable disapproval within the Muslim community. Hours after his apprehension, hundreds of residents in Ouagadougou took to the streets, demanding his immediate release. The demonstration was ultimately dispersed using tear gas, according to a participant.

In response, the FAIB has appealed to “all Muslim faithful for calm, restraint, and serenity.”

No official government statement

The day after the incident, which coincided with Eid El-Kébir (also known as Tabaski), a sense of calm has seemingly returned to the community, which is closely monitoring the unfolding situation regarding the religious leader. While President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso addressed the public via social media after performing his Tabaski prayer, paying tribute to security forces combating jihadism, he also issued a stern warning to those deemed “enemies of the Nation.” He cautioned against any attempts to attack or discourage the fighting forces, or to cause any disruption to the country’s progress.

The President asserted that anyone adopting such a stance would “bear full responsibility and all ensuing consequences.” As of now, there has been no official government comment specifically addressing Imam Kindo’s arrest.

Prohibiting places of worship in public services

The controversial religious freedom bill in Burkina Faso, which appears to be at the heart of the influential imam’s predicament, was adopted by the Council of Ministers on March 19. The legislation aims to regulate the exercise of religious freedom to prevent observed abuses, particularly those seen on social media, while simultaneously safeguarding religious liberty.

This document has garnered mixed reactions. Mariem Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs for Burkina, attempted to reassure the public in an interview with RTB. She explained that the text itself is not entirely new but has been updated “in the face of radicalism and violent extremism,” as well as “hate speech and discourteous remarks online.”

Authorities hope that this bill will regularize and put an end to these excesses, thereby strengthening national cohesion.

In Burkina Faso, similar to many other African nations, the state maintains a secular stance, ensuring equality among all religious confessions. The new bill specifically prohibits the construction of places of worship within public service facilities, with exceptions only for health establishments, penitentiary institutions, barracks, and military camps. Given the impracticality of erecting places of worship for all faiths within government administration, the state has opted for a straightforward prohibition.

However, authorities have clarified an important point: praying in public spaces is not forbidden, provided it is done respectfully of others’ beliefs.

Since Ibrahim Traoré assumed power, several notable disappearances of voices critical of the regime have been reported, contributing to the broader context of current affairs in the Sahel. The authorities justify their repressive policies by citing the decade-long war against jihadist groups operating across much of the country.

Burkina Faso has been under military rule, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for nearly four years now.