Burkina Faso military regime closes Ouagadougou grand mosque amid protests

Mosque closure “until further notice”

The Burkinabé military administration announced the closure of the capital’s grand Sunni mosque, effective “until further notice,” citing concerns over potential “disturbances to public order.” This directive was issued by the governor of the Ouagadougou region, coming after several days of heightened tensions sparked by the arrest of Sunni imam and preacher, Mohamad Ishaq Kindo.

Protests lead to numerous arrests

Since the imam’s apprehension on Tuesday, a considerable number of devotees had congregated around the mosque, demanding his immediate release. Security forces were deployed to disperse the demonstrators. According to accounts from security personnel, approximately one hundred of the imam’s supporters were taken into custody. These individuals were subsequently transferred to a camp operated by the Republican Security Companies, where they are reportedly undergoing “civic and citizenship training.” Videos circulating online depict men in military attire performing physical exercises and prayers under the watchful eyes of soldiers. Independent verification of these images has not been possible.

Imam critical of proposed legislation

Mohamad Ishaq Kindo had recently spoken out against a proposed bill aimed at imposing stricter regulations on religious freedoms within Burkina Faso. His arrest occurs amidst an intensifying crackdown by the military regime, which is led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Captain Traoré seized power following a coup d’état in September 2022.