Burkina Faso: Suspicious death of Alino Faso, Ouagadougou demands clear answers
The sudden death of Alain Christophe Traoré, better known as Alino Faso, last Thursday at a gendarmerie school in Côte d’Ivoire, has sent shockwaves through both Burkina Faso and the wider region. A committed activist and outspoken critic of political excesses, Alino Faso was known for his bold stances. His death in custody, under still-unclear circumstances, raises many questions.
The Burkinabe government, through its spokesperson Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, has strongly condemned what it unambiguously described as a “heinous assassination”. This powerful official statement used deeply resonant words: “dismay,” “outrage,” “unclear circumstances.” The frank tone sharply contrasts with the usual diplomatic vagueness typical of such affairs. Ouagadougou, clearly determined not to let this case be forgotten, has given voice to a nation mourning the loss of one of its sons.
In contrast, the Ivorian response appears more like a clumsy PR effort. The brief statement issued by the authorities in Abidjan, devoid of accountability or compassion, has failed to convince observers or those close to the deceased. No clarity about the exact causes of death, no promise of an independent investigation, no sincere expression of sympathy. This bureaucratic posture borders on contempt and fuels legitimate suspicion.
At a time when tensions between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso were already palpable, this tragedy risks further straining their fragile bilateral relations. Far from calming the situation, the Ivorian stance has only added fuel to the fire. The people of Burkina Faso are not looking for empty words—they demand answers.
In the face of this tragedy, justice must prevail. The political courage shown by Burkinabe authorities deserves recognition. Their refusal to remain silent, and their call for the truth, are signals not only to Abidjan, but to the whole of West Africa. We cannot allow activists to die in custody without triggering a collective outcry. Alino Faso is gone, but his fight for truth and dignity lives on.
