A lawyer in Burkina Faso, Me Ini Esther Doli, recently appeared before the Ouagadougou 1 High Court on September 30, 2026, facing defamation charges. The Police Municipale of Ouagadougou had filed a complaint against her with the Burkinabé Centre for the Fight Against Corruption (BCLCC). The case stems from a Facebook post in which she commented on the "Allah Ti Kouma" affair, a case that led to the closure of a complex due to various infractions.
The controversy began when Me Doli published a post on her Facebook page in September 2026. In her post, she suggested that some individuals involved in the expulsion of clients from "Allah Ti Kouma" might have been former clients or current clients themselves. She also criticized the focus on targeting "poor women" while ignoring "luxury prostitution." The Police Municipale felt defamed by her statements and decided to take legal action.
During her hearing, Me Doli apologized if her comments had offended anyone and subsequently removed the post from her Facebook page. The investigators informed her that she might be called again if necessary. At the time of the incident, Me Doli was planning to travel to Côte d'Ivoire for medical treatment before returning for the judicial rentrée to defend her clients.
Me Doli was arrested en route to Côte d'Ivoire and taken to the Ouagadougou Correctional Center (MACO). On September 30, 2026, several lawyers supported her and pleaded for her provisional release. The court granted her request and postponed the judgment to October 14, 2026.
The "Allah Ti Kouma" complex had been ordered to close in 2025 due to various infractions, but it reportedly continued to operate. The Police Municipale's actions against Me Doli highlight the tensions between law enforcement and freedom of expression in Burkina Faso.
The case has sparked a debate about the limits of free speech, especially on social media, and the role of lawyers in criticizing public institutions. Me Doli's supporters argue that her comments were part of her professional duty to speak out against injustices.
As the case continues on October 14, 2026, it will be closely watched by human rights groups and the legal community in Burkina Faso. The outcome will likely have implications for freedom of expression and the protection of lawyers' rights to criticize public authorities.
Key points
- The Burkinabé lawyer, Me Ini Esther Doli, was taken to court for defamation after criticizing the Police Municipale's handling of the "Allah Ti Kouma" case on Facebook.
- The "Allah Ti Kouma" complex was ordered to close in 2025 but reportedly continued to operate, leading to further controversy.
- The case raises questions about the limits of free speech and the role of lawyers in criticizing public institutions in Burkina Faso.
