Burkina Faso's prosecutor general, Désiré Pinguédewindé Sawadogo, announced on November 13, 2026, that over 45 individuals and several entities are being pursued for terrorism-related crimes. The suspects are accused of various offenses, including complicity in terrorist associations, apologies for terrorism, financing terrorism, and disseminating terrorist content. Sawadogo stated that investigations have gathered sufficient evidence to warrant prosecutions.
The suspects, including Dabo Abdoul Aziz, Barry Abdoulaye, and Ouédraogo Inoussa, are believed to be hiding in several countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, the United States, and France. The prosecutor's office has requested extradition and cooperation from these countries to bring the suspects to justice. Sawadogo denounced individuals who support terrorist groups through social media and financing.
The list of suspects includes several individuals with alleged ties to terrorist organizations, such as Diallo Amed Aziz, alias "Le Centro," and Zoungrana François, alias "César." The prosecutor's office has also targeted pages and accounts on Facebook, accusing them of promoting terrorism and disseminating extremist content. Sawadogo announced that authorities have requested that META, Facebook's parent company, identify and prosecute administrators of these pages.
The crackdown on terrorism suspects also extends to media outlets and chroniclers. France 24 and its chronicler Wassim Nasr are among those being investigated. Sawadogo stated that the list of suspects may evolve in the coming days. The prosecutor general emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and organized crime.
Sawadogo cited the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, adopted in 2001, which obliges states to combat terrorism financing. He also referenced the 1999 Convention of the Organization of African Unity on preventing and combating terrorism, which requires states to extradite individuals accused of terrorist acts.
The Burkinabè authorities are counting on international cooperation to bring the suspects to justice. Sawadogo expressed hope that the arrest warrants and extradition requests will be executed in the coming days and months, ensuring that the suspects are prosecuted and judged in accordance with the law.
The case of Camille Makosso, an Ivorian national, was also mentioned. He is accused of making defamatory and calumnious statements against Burkina Faso and its authorities. Sawadogo stated that the Burkinabè authorities expect Makosso to face prosecution in his home country.
Key points
- International arrest warrants have been issued for over 45 individuals suspected of terrorism-related crimes in Burkina Faso.
- The suspects are accused of various offenses, including complicity in terrorist associations, apologies for terrorism, and financing terrorism.
- The Burkinabè authorities are relying on international cooperation to bring the suspects to justice.
