Burkina Faso's military government says it has arrested eight members of a Dutch-based humanitarian organisation, accusing them of spying and treason. The detained include three Europeans, a Malian, and four Burkinabé, among them the NGO's country director and deputy. The organization said they were detained some time ago but it was not previously reported. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated that the NGO had collected and passed on sensitive security information that could be detrimental to national security. The International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), which provides safety information to aid workers, has categorically denied the allegations. Anthony Neal, a representative of the NGO, confirmed that their Burkina Faso country director had been detained since July when the organisation was suspended for collecting sensitive data without authorisation. Neal emphasized their commitment to safety and stated their work of collecting information had ceased. The NGO, operating since 2019, has faced increased scrutiny, with the military government previously suspending its operations amid claims of unauthorized information gathering. The junta, which came into power amid rising violence, has since shifted its military partnerships, complicating relations with Western nations and leading to concerns over human rights abuses and civil liberties.
Burkina Faso Junta Arrests Eight NGO Workers for Alleged Spying
Burkina Faso Junta Arrests Eight NGO Workers for Alleged Spying
The military government of Burkina Faso has detained members of a Dutch NGO, accusing them of espionage and treason. The organization denies the allegations, claiming its work was aimed at aiding local communities.
Burkina Faso's military government has detained eight individuals associated with a Dutch NGO, accusing them of espionage and endangerment of national security. The group includes three Europeans and local staff, and claims their operations were legitimate, aimed at ensuring safety amid the region's escalating violence. The NGO has faced increased scrutiny following a ban on its activities, and has denied wrongdoing, asserting that they were operating transparently and with permission from the authorities.
