The Burkinabè justice system has launched arrest warrants for 45 individuals and entities, including several high-profile figures, as part of its efforts to combat terrorism. The move was announced by Désiré Sawadogo, the Procureur général près la Cour d'Appel de Ouagadougou, at a press conference held on November 13, 2026, at the Tribunal de Grande Instance (TGI) Ouaga II in Karpala, east of the capital. The warrants target individuals and entities accused of various crimes, including complicity with terrorist groups and apologia for terrorism.
According to Sawadogo, the accused individuals and entities are alleged to have engaged in activities that include complicity with terrorist groups, apologia for terrorism, and dissemination of images and videos with terrorist content. The alleged crimes also include financing terrorism, defamation, and attempts to demoralize the national armed forces. The accused include Ivoirian Camille Makosso, Burkinabè nationals Abdoulaye Barry, Djibrill Bassolé, and Naïm Touré, as well as Wassim Nasr, a journalist for France 24.
The Burkinabè authorities have cited specific laws under which the accused are being prosecuted, including articles 131-4, 131-5, and 131-8 of the penal code, which deal with terrorism-related offenses. The authorities also invoked law n°46-2024/ALT of December 30, 2024, which focuses on combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Sawadogo emphasized that the warrants are part of a broader effort to crack down on terrorist activities and sympathizers in the country.
The move is seen as part of the Burkinabè government's efforts to tackle the growing threat of terrorism in the region. The country has been plagued by terrorist attacks in recent years, with various groups operating in the area. The government's tough stance on terrorism has been echoed by various regional and international partners, who have pledged support for the country's efforts to combat the threat.
Among those targeted by the arrest warrants are several high-profile figures with significant social media presence. Camille Makosso, an Ivoirian national, and Wassim Nasr, a journalist with France 24, are among those accused of promoting terrorist ideology and providing support to extremist groups. The Burkinabè authorities have vowed to pursue anyone suspected of involvement in terrorist activities, regardless of their nationality or social status.
The warrants have sparked mixed reactions, with some observers welcoming the government's efforts to tackle terrorism and others expressing concerns about potential human rights abuses. Sawadogo emphasized that the justice system will ensure that the rights of the accused are respected, while also ensuring that those responsible for terrorist activities are brought to justice.
The Burkinabè government's efforts to combat terrorism are likely to continue in the coming weeks and months, with further details on the investigation and potential trials expected to emerge. The case is likely to be closely watched by regional and international observers, who are keenly interested in the country's efforts to tackle the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel region.
Key points
- The Burkinabè government has issued arrest warrants for 45 individuals and entities suspected of ties to terrorism, including high-profile figures such as Camille Makosso and Wassim Nasr.
