Burkina Faso: 45 individuals and legal entities targeted by terrorism-related legal proceedings

According to Attorney General Pingdwendé Désiré Sawadogo, the proceedings concern, in particular, acts of complicity in terrorist conspiracy, glorification of terrorism, dissemination of images and videos with terrorist connotations, and financing of terrorism. Other offenses are also targeted, including defamation, attempts to demoralize the national armed forces, and insulting public officials.

Most of the individuals implicated in these proceedings reside outside the national territory. In connection with these cases, international arrest warrants, as well as requests for extradition and international mutual legal assistance, have therefore been issued and transmitted to the authorities of several countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, the United States of America, and France.

Among those subject to arrest warrants and extradition requests are Dabo Abdoul Aziz, Bari Abdoulaye, alias "The Traveler," Bassolé Yipéné Djibril, Barry Newton Ahmed, Barry Mamadou Alpha, Lengani Issiaka, Ouédraogo Inoussa, and Ouédraogo Adama, known as "Damiss." They are being prosecuted for complicity in terrorist conspiracy, complicity in the possession of firearms and ammunition for terrorist purposes, and complicity in the financing of terrorism. Coulibaly Oumar and Touré Naïm are being prosecuted for complicity in criminal conspiracy and for advocating terrorism.

Other individuals implicated are subject to international arrest warrants. These include Zoungrana François, alias César, Zongo Hermann, and Colonel Zalla Landio Mamadou. They are being prosecuted for complicity in financing terrorism, complicity in terrorist conspiracy, and complicity in possessing firearms and ammunition for terrorist purposes. Alizèta Ouédraogo is being prosecuted for financing terrorism and complicity in terrorist conspiracy. Conombo Alassane is being prosecuted for advocating terrorism and disseminating videos and images with terrorist connotations.

Individuals and media outlets affected by ongoing investigations

In addition to these proceedings, several other individuals and legal entities are the subject of ongoing judicial investigations. These include Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, François Compaoré, Yacouba Ladji Bama, Aminata Rachow, Camille Makosso, Henri Sebgo, Maixent Somé, and the media outlet France 24.
Specifically, Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba is being prosecuted for complicity in terrorist conspiracy, complicity in the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition for terrorist purposes, and complicity in financing terrorism. François Compaoré, for his part, is being prosecuted for financing terrorism and complicity in terrorist conspiracy.

As for the Ivorian activist Camille Makosso, he is being prosecuted for advocating terrorism and complicity in terrorist conspiracy. Regarding him, the Attorney General clarified Burkina Faso's expectations in terms of international judicial cooperation.

“For non-Burkinabè individuals such as Makosso Camille, an Ivorian national, we expect legal proceedings to be initiated by the countries where these individuals reside,” stated Désiré Sawadogo. As for the Burkinabè nationals involved, the prosecutor's office seeks their arrest and extradition to Burkina Faso to face charges.

Meta requested to identify and prosecute the administrators of certain pages

The Attorney General also announced that Burkinabe judicial authorities have requested their American counterparts to seize the Meta company, particularly its Facebook platform. The aim is to identify and prosecute the administrators of certain pages accused of promoting terrorism. The removal of these pages has also been requested. Among the pages concerned are Burkina Débat, Mayouré de Paspanga, Mouton d'ADO l'Original, Princesse YABRE Nouveau, Anton Kalil Diaby officiel, France-Afrique Media, Omar Coulibaly, Naïm Touré, and Alassane Conombo officiel.