The Burkinabé justice system has intensified its judicial offensive against public figures and activists based abroad. On November 13, 2026, the prosecutor general of Ouagadougou's Court of Appeal, Pinguedewindé Désiré Sawadogo, announced the launch of an international arrest warrant for Ivorian pastor and influencer Camille Makosso on suspicion of terrorism. This decision is part of a large-scale procedure led by the specialized judicial unit for the repression of terrorist acts.
According to the general prosecutor's office, over six separate cases are currently being investigated, involving more than 45 individuals and entities. In addition to Camille Makosso, these judicial investigations target former high-ranking politicians and military personnel, such as former transitional president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba and Djibril Bassolé. The charges brought include terrorist association, apology for terrorism, and attempted demoralization of combat forces.
As most of the targeted individuals reside outside Burkinabé territory, the authorities have sent extradition and mutual legal assistance requests to several partner countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, France, and the United States. The prosecutor also stated that he has requested American jurisdictions to compel the Meta multinational company to remove several Facebook pages accused of propagating subversive speeches.
Ivorian influencer Camille Makosso reacted immediately to the news on November 13, 2026. In a video broadcast on social media, he directly addressed Burkinabé Head of State Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Firmly rejecting the accusations, he promised a media response and uncompromising statements during a live broadcast scheduled for November 16, 2026.
This development comes as the Burkinabé authorities continue to crack down on individuals and groups perceived as threats to national security. The country has been plagued by terrorist attacks in recent years, and the government has been working to strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts. The international arrest warrant for Camille Makosso is seen as part of these efforts.
The Burkinabé justice system's actions have been welcomed by some as a necessary measure to combat terrorism, while others have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse of power. The case against Camille Makosso has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users expressing support for the influencer and others condemning his alleged actions.
The outcome of the case against Camille Makosso remains uncertain, as does the effectiveness of the Burkinabé government's efforts to combat terrorism. One thing is clear, however: the issue of terrorism remains a pressing concern for the Sahel region, and the international community will be watching the developments in this case closely.
Key points
- The Burkinabé government has issued an international arrest warrant for Ivorian influencer Camille Makosso on suspicion of terrorism.
