Burkina Faso’s government has suspended the operations of the international non-governmental organization, International NGO Safety Organization (INSO), citing unauthorized collection of sensitive data.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 31, 2025, by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Émile Zerbo.
In a formal decree, Minister Zerbo declared the suspension of INSO for a period of three months, with the possibility of renewal.
This move forms part of a broader clampdown on foreign NGOs operating within the country, although the government rarely provides specific reasons for such actions.
In this case, authorities explicitly accuse INSO of engaging in the “collection of sensitive data without prior authorization,” an act they claim contravenes the organization’s declared humanitarian mission.
“The measure was necessary given the nature of the violations,” Minister Zerbo stated, emphasizing that INSO’s activities had breached the regulatory framework.
He further instructed the Secretary General of the Ministry to ensure that the decision is effectively implemented and properly communicated.
This development follows a series of regulatory changes introduced by the Burkinabe government to tighten oversight of civil society organizations.
Most notably, a recently enacted law on freedom of association mandates that all registered associations must submit detailed budgets, annual financial accounts, and activity reports to the relevant authorities.
The law aims to bolster transparency and combat financial misuse, especially in the context of money laundering and terrorist financing.
The suspension of INSO signals a heightened scrutiny of international NGOs operating in Burkina Faso and reflects growing concerns within the government over data security and foreign influence. As the enforcement of the new legal framework continues, further action against non-compliant organizations may follow in the coming months.
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