Burkina Faso Arrests NGO Staff on Espionage, Treason Charges

WEB DESK: Authorities in Burkina Faso have arrested eight employees of an international NGO on charges of espionage and treason, the country’s interior minister announced on Wednesday.

Interior Minister Mahamoudou Sana told reporters that the detainees include four foreigners and four local staff members, among them the organisation’s country director. Officials allege the group was collecting sensitive information about military operations, militant movements, and post-attack casualties, in violation of national laws.

“These actions constitute serious breaches of Burkina Faso’s security legislation, and legal proceedings will be initiated,” the minister said.

The individuals are reportedly linked to the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), a Netherlands-based body that supports humanitarian agencies. INSO, however, denied any wrongdoing, saying its data collection is solely for humanitarian purposes — to enhance the safety of aid workers.

INSO representative Anthony Neal told Reuters the organisation “had not broken any laws,” insisting its work is limited to safety-related data sharing to help NGOs plan secure operations.

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The minister further claimed that INSO had continued operating despite an official suspension order issued in July. Neal said the group had appointed a liaison team to maintain communication with authorities after the country director’s arrest, adding that “these steps were taken in coordination with officials.”

“We are still trying to establish direct contact to address the government’s concerns,” Neal added.

Burkina Faso has been grappling with worsening insecurity and escalating militant violence in recent years, as attacks by armed groups continue to destabilise large parts of the country.