
Burkina Faso has summoned Côte d’Ivoire’s chargé d’affaires in Ouagadougou following the death of Burkinabè national Alin Christophe Traoré, who was found dead in custody in Abidjan, prompting accusations of foul play and raising tensions between the two West African neighbours.
The Ivorian authorities announced on Sunday that Traoré was discovered dead in his prison cell, claiming he had “hanged himself.” He had been detained since January on espionage charges.
In a statement, the Ivorian government said it had launched an investigation into what it described as a suicide, seeking to determine the motivations behind Traoré’s death.
However, Ouagadougou has rejected this version of events.
The Burkinabè Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident and demanded the immediate repatriation of Traoré’s body, asserting that the circumstances of his death resemble an “elimination” rather than a suicide.
“Burkina Faso will not accept the distortion of facts,” the ministry declared, emphasizing that Traoré was no longer an Ivorian citizen, following the revocation of his dual nationality.
Speaking after the Ivorian diplomat was summoned, Burkinabè Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Gilbert Ouédraogo, criticized the handling of the case.
“The way in which the death was announced is irresponsible and does not reflect the respect that should exist between our two nations,” he said. “The Ivorian authorities’ actions show a disregard for Burkina Faso and for the Traoré family, who learned of his death through social media.”
The incident has reignited concerns about the fragile relationship between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire — neighbours whose diplomatic ties have periodically been tested by political and security tensions.
Observers say this case underscores the growing strain between the two countries, and calls for transparent investigations are mounting amid rising public outcry in both capitals.