Ministers from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) have called for a “transparent and diligent” investigation into the death in custody of Burkinabe activist Alino Faso, whose remains were repatriated and buried in Ouagadougou last weekend.
The ministers also condemned European sanctions targeting several Pan-Africanist figures.
In a statement signed by Malian Justice Minister Mamoudou Kassogué on behalf of the AES ministerial college, officials denounced the activist’s “illegal arrest, confinement in a barracks, and suspicious death.”
They extended condolences to his family and demanded the prosecution of “the perpetrators, co-perpetrators, and accomplices.”
The AES response comes as the Burkinabe justice system conducts an autopsy on Alino Faso, with findings to be included in the ongoing investigation file. Ministers emphasised the need to establish accountability and ensure that justice is served.
The same statement also criticised sanctions imposed by the European Union on 26 June against Nathalie Yamb, which include an entry and transit ban, asset freeze, and flight restriction.
AES ministers condemned what they described as “harassment measures” targeting Franklin Nyamsi, Kemi Seba, Ibrahima Maïga, and other activists in France and elsewhere.
“These acts constitute a serious attack on fundamental freedoms and violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,” the statement said.
AES officials accused external powers of attempting to “muzzle African voices” under the “false pretext” of combating alleged foreign influence.
Reaffirming solidarity with the targeted Pan-Africanist figures, the AES ministers urged African peoples to strengthen their “unity” and “solidarity” in the face of external pressures. They argued that such attempts “will only strengthen the determination” to build “a sovereign, united and respected Africa.”
The AES statement marks a strong regional response to both the death of Alino Faso and ongoing challenges faced by Pan-Africanist activists, highlighting tensions between African political movements and international actors.
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