Burkina Faso’s authorities say they issued 21 arrest warrants against people in exile, including journalists, activists, a former minister and former military officers, over alleged terrorism-related offenses.
Fourteen of the warrants came with requests for extradition. Prosecutor General Désiré Sawadogo announced the warrants on Friday, November 13. He said the cases were being handled by the specialised anti-terrorism judicial unit.
The prosecutor’s announcement named journalist Newton Ahmed Barry, former foreign minister Djibril Bassolé and journalist Issiaka Lingani. The alleged offenses differ by person. They include helping terrorist activity or its financing, praising terrorism and urging rebellion.
Authorities also cited allegations of defamation and undermining the morale of the armed forces. The accusations have not been proven in court. Investigators have not publicly disclosed the evidence behind them.
Sawadogo said more than six cases involving over 45 people and legal entities were under investigation. Officials said they had asked Meta to help identify people who administer pages accused of praising terrorism. The government also said it had sought help from other countries to pursue arrests and extraditions.
The warrants come as Burkina Faso’s military-led government faces criticism over its crackdown on dissent and media.