Burkina Faso’s military government has detained eight members of a Dutch-based humanitarian organisation, accusing them of “spying and treason.” The arrested individuals include three Europeans, a Malian, and four Burkinabé nationals — among them the organisation’s country director and deputy.
According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, the group allegedly collected and transmitted sensitive security information that could harm the country’s national interests. The minister claimed the organisation continued its operations despite being suspended.
The International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), which provides security updates for aid workers, has strongly denied the accusations. INSO representative Anthony Neal told BBC’s Newsday that the Burkina Faso country director has been detained since July when the NGO was first suspended, while the other seven staff members were arrested later.
“We continue to work towards their safe and immediate release,” Neal said, adding that INSO halted its data collection on 31 July following the suspension order. He emphasized that staff members remained in the country only to manage the detention case and fulfill contractual obligations.
The organisation explained that its data is not confidential but aimed at improving the safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones. “The Burkinabé authorities have long been aware of our operations and mandate,” INSO said in a statement, insisting that it had cooperated fully with local officials.
Since the military takeover in 2022, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso has cut ties with former colonial power France and turned to Russia for security support amid a deepening Islamist insurgency. The junta’s rule has drawn criticism from human rights organisations over alleged abuses against civilians and suppression of dissent.
INSO continues to call for dialogue with the Burkinabé government to clarify the misunderstanding and secure the release of its detained workers.
