On November 13, 2026, the Burkinabé justice system announced the issuance of international arrest warrants for 14 individuals and the opening of proceedings against 45 entities, including individuals and corporations, for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities. The announcement was made during a press conference in Ouagadougou by the Prosecutor General near the Court of Appeal of Ouagadougou, Désiré Sawadogo, and the anti-terrorist unit of the Ouaga 2 High Court.
The 14 individuals facing international arrest warrants are accused of various crimes, including complicity in terrorist associations, financing terrorism, and apologies for terrorism. They are Abdoul Aziz Dabo, Abdoulaye Barry, Yipènè Djibril Bassolé, Newton Ahmed Barry, Mamadou Alpha Barry, Johanny Compaoré, D. Roméo Ouoba, Issiaka Lingani, Inoussa Ouédraogo, Adama Ouédraogo, Oumar Coulibaly, Naïm Touré, Dramane Barry, and Amed Aziz Diallo.
In addition to the international arrest warrants, the Burkinabé justice system has also opened proceedings against several other individuals and entities, including Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, François Compaoré, Yacouba Ladji Bama, Aminata Rachow, Camille Makosso, Henri Sebgo, and Maixent Somé. The French television channel France 24 is also facing proceedings as a corporate entity.
The charges against these individuals and entities include association with terrorist groups, apologies for terrorism, financing terrorism, and undermining state authority. The Burkinabé authorities have transmitted the arrest warrants and extradition requests to several countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, the United States, and France.
The Burkinabé justice system is acting under the legal framework provided by the Burkinabé Penal Code and the law on combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The crimes related to terrorism and its financing carry severe penalties, including prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, significant fines, and confiscation of assets.
The fight against terrorism is a major concern for the Burkinabé government, which has been facing attacks from extremist groups in recent years. The authorities have been working to strengthen their security and judicial systems to combat the threat.
The international community has been cooperating with Burkinabé authorities in their efforts to combat terrorism. The issuance of international arrest warrants and extradition requests is part of this cooperation, aimed at bringing those accused of terrorist crimes to justice.
Key points
- The Burkinabé justice system has issued international arrest warrants for 14 individuals accused of terrorist-related crimes.
- Proceedings have been opened against 45 entities, including individuals and corporations, for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities.
- The charges against those accused include association with terrorist groups, apologies for terrorism, financing terrorism, and undermining state authority.
