The body of Burkinabe activist Alain Christophe Traoré, widely known as Alino Faso, is expected to arrive in Ouagadougou on Monday, 18 August 2025, marking the conclusion of weeks of sensitive negotiations between Burkinabe authorities and the family.
His death in Côte d’Ivoire has sparked enduring questions and public outcry over the circumstances surrounding it.
The Burkinabe government confirmed that the remains will land at Ouagadougou International Airport at 2:25 p.m. Local authorities have described the repatriation as a response to persistent calls from the Traoré family and civil society groups seeking a dignified return and the possibility of a state funeral.
Vigils and marches organized by citizen associations have pressed for both this repatriation and full disclosure regarding the circumstances of Alino Faso’s death.
“This return is more than a transfer of remains; it is a symbol of respect and recognition for Alino Faso’s contributions to society,” a government spokesperson said, noting that a public ceremony will follow, with details to be announced in due course.
Alino Faso was discovered dead on 24 July 2025 at the Gendarmerie Academy in Abidjan, where he had been detained for over six months.
Ivorian authorities have cited suicide by hanging, with some reports suggesting a wrist injury, but this explanation is strongly contested by the Burkinabe government.
Ouagadougou has highlighted inconsistencies and a lack of official communication with the family and its embassy, fueling suspicion of foul play.
In response, a judicial inquiry has been launched in Ouagadougou to investigate potential torture or homicide. Citizen mobilization, led notably by the National Coordination of Citizen Monitoring Associations, continues to call for transparency and accountability.
Monday’s repatriation represents a pivotal moment in a case that has captured both national and regional attention, underscoring ongoing tensions and the broader demand for justice in the aftermath of Alino Faso’s controversial death. The developments are expected to shape public discourse and diplomatic engagement between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire in the weeks ahead.
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