Burkina Faso/Ivory Coast: Judicial investigation opened in Ouagadougou following the death of Alino Faso
The tragic death of Traoré Alain Christophe, better known as Alino Faso, while in detention in Abidjan, has sent shockwaves through Burkina Faso and its diaspora. Officially declared a suicide by Ivorian judicial authorities, this version is being met with serious skepticism both among the public and within Burkinabe political circles.
The official statement from the Prosecutor of Faso at the Ouaga I High Court, released on August 1, 2025, marks a turning point in the case. Through its judicial system, the Burkinabe state has taken a firm stance by opening a formal investigation against persons unknown for torture and murder. This decision reflects a clear political will: to ensure that the death of a Burkinabe citizen under suspicious circumstances abroad does not fall into oblivion or impunity.
By formally referring the matter to the Dean of Investigating Judges, the Burkinabe government is showing rare resolve in cases involving its nationals overseas. This approach breaks with the usual diplomatic caution often observed in West Africa. Here, it is the Burkinabe judiciary taking the initiative—without waiting for the outcome of Ivorian investigations—in direct response to the complaint filed by the deceased’s family.
This move also sends a strong message to the national public: no Burkinabe citizen, wherever they may be in the world, will be abandoned by their country in the face of injustice. It can be interpreted as a political determination to uphold Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and dignity on the regional stage, amid a tense security and geopolitical climate.
While this legal action aims to shed light on the circumstances of Traoré Alain Christophe’s death, it could also trigger a delicate diplomatic episode between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. Genuine judicial cooperation will be essential to avoid escalation. But now, the ball is in the Ivorian authorities’ court.
