Burkina Faso’s military government arrested eight members of a Netherlands-based humanitarian organization Tuesday, accusing them of spying and treason by collecting and sharing sensitive information detrimental to the West African nation’s security.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the detention of eight International NGO Safety Organisation workers, including a Frenchman, a French-Senegalese woman, a Czech man, a Malian and four Burkinabe nationals. The arrests represent an escalation of the military junta’s crackdown on Western-affiliated organizations since seizing power in September 2022.
Those arrested included the country director of INSO in Burkina Faso and his deputy, Sana said during the announcement. The Hague-based organization specializes in providing security analyses for other humanitarian groups operating in conflict zones.
The INSO country director had been previously arrested at the end of July when authorities suspended the NGO for three months, accusing it of “collecting sensitive data without authorisation.” The latest arrests suggest the government believes the organization continued operations despite the suspension.
Sana alleged that INSO “collected and passed on sensitive security information that could be detrimental to national security and the interests of Burkina Faso, to foreign powers.” He did not identify which foreign powers allegedly received the information or provide specific examples of compromised security data.
The security minister claimed that despite being banned from operating on July 31, some INSO members “continued to clandestinely or covertly conduct activities such as information collection and meetings in person or online.” The accusations suggest government surveillance of the organization’s activities following the suspension.
INSO, officially known as the International NGO Safety Organisation, provides security risk management services to humanitarian organizations working in dangerous environments. The organization analyzes security threats and shares information to help aid workers operate safely in conflict zones.
Burkina Faso’s military junta has systematically distanced itself from Western nations, particularly former colonial ruler France, since taking power through a September 2022 coup. The government has expelled French diplomats, terminated military cooperation agreements and accused Western powers of interfering in internal affairs.
Burkinabe authorities frequently suppress dissent within civil society and media organizations, justifying such actions as necessary measures in the battle against jihadist violence that has plagued the country for a decade. Human rights organizations have documented increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly under military rule.
The West African nation faces a severe security crisis with jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State controlling significant portions of territory. The military government has struggled to contain the insurgency despite pledging to prioritize security when justifying the coup.
The arrests of European nationals working for humanitarian organizations complicate Burkina Faso’s international relationships at a time when the country faces isolation from traditional Western partners. The detentions may further strain diplomatic relations with France, the Netherlands and Czech Republic.
INSO operates in numerous conflict-affected countries worldwide, providing security information services that enable humanitarian organizations to assess risks and make informed decisions about staff safety and program operations. The organization maintains that its work supports rather than undermines humanitarian access.
The charges of spying and treason carry serious legal consequences under Burkinabe law, though the military government’s judicial processes have faced criticism from international human rights organizations for lacking transparency and due process protections.
The arrests follow a pattern of increased scrutiny of foreign NGOs and international organizations operating in countries governed by military juntas across West Africa’s Sahel region. Mali and Niger, which have also experienced recent military coups, have similarly restricted foreign organizations and expelled international personnel.
Humanitarian organizations operating in Burkina Faso have expressed concern that the arrests will further restrict their ability to provide assistance to populations affected by conflict and displacement. The country faces a humanitarian crisis with millions requiring emergency aid due to violence and food insecurity.
The military government has not announced whether the detained individuals will face trial or provided information about legal representation and consular access for the foreign nationals. International humanitarian organizations await additional details about the charges and evidence supporting the espionage allegations.
France, the Netherlands and Czech Republic have not yet issued official statements regarding their citizens’ detention, though diplomatic channels are presumably working to verify their status and ensure appropriate treatment under international law.
