Former Minister and Opposition Leader Ablassé Ouédraogo Abducted

The family of Dr. Ablassé Ouédraogo has raised alarm over his abduction on December 24, 2023, just hours after he returned to Ouagadougou from a trip abroad. All attempts to contact him or obtain information about his whereabouts have been unsuccessful, causing deep concern for his safety and well-being.

Dr. Ouédraogo, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs under Blaise Compaoré (1994-1999), later joined the opposition and founded his own party, Faso Autrement. He has been a vocal critic of the military regime led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, which came to power following the September 2022 coup.

In November 2023, Faso Autrement denounced an army order requisitioning its president to be sent to the front lines in the fight against terrorism—a move the party described as punishment for his political stances.

With no official information on his whereabouts or the circumstances of his disappearance, his family, supporters, and the international community are calling for his immediate and unconditional release and for authorities to ensure his physical and psychological integrity.