Burkina Faso’s authorities have arrested eight people linked to an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), including three European nationals, on charges of espionage and treason.
The arrests, announced on Monday, have heightened tensions between the government and foreign humanitarian groups operating in the conflict-stricken West African nation.
Officials confirmed that the detainees include a French citizen, a French-Senegalese dual national, and a Czech national, along with one Malian and four Burkinabe nationals.
Among those taken into custody are the NGO’s national director, his deputy, and the deputy director general of its headquarters, which is based in the Netherlands.
The organisation is known for providing support to humanitarian actors working in areas affected by armed conflict. Authorities have not disclosed the name of the organisation but said that investigations are ongoing and that legal proceedings have yet to be determined.
Diplomatic channels have been activated as foreign governments follow the developments closely.
In a brief statement, officials said the group was “suspected of espionage and treason,” though they did not provide details of the alleged activities.
The Burkinabe government indicated that further investigations could follow as part of the case.
The arrests come against a backdrop of growing scrutiny and restrictions on foreign NGOs operating in Burkina Faso.
In recent years, several organisations have been suspended or forced to scale back their activities, with the government accusing them of violating national regulations or interfering in matters considered sensitive to state security.
In 2022, authorities introduced new regulations governing the funding, partnerships, and field operations of foreign organisations, especially in high-risk regions. Officials said the measures were intended to “preserve national sovereignty” and strengthen oversight of access to conflict zones.
The tougher stance has already led to the expulsion of some NGOs and the closure of regional offices, as relations between the state and parts of the international aid community continue to deteriorate.
For now, officials have not provided a timeline for when legal proceedings against the eight detainees will begin.
The case underscores the rising tensions between Burkina Faso’s government and foreign humanitarian actors amid an ongoing security crisis that has displaced millions and left vast regions of the country beyond state control.
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