Haruna Sumaila Abugri.

It is barely two weeks since operatives of Ibrahim Traore’s led junta arrested and detained the spiritual leader of the sunni Islamic sect in Burkina Faso, Dr. Mohammed Ishaq Kindo. Family relatives who witnessed the arrest disclosed that armed security men, including masked men stormed the house of the learned scholar and picked him away amid some resistance by worshippers around him.

Protest is said to have erupted in the capital, Ouagadougou shortly after the mid-afternoon 26, May, 2026 2pm arrest. Supporters of the Islamic scholar, known for his decades of peaching, went onto the streets demanding for his release. A source in the capital in a state of anonymity disclosed to The Herald’s Haruna Abugri via phone.

The source added that most of the protesters were arrested by the security operatives and their where about, just like that of Dr. Kindo, not disclosed.

His arrest took place on a day regarded as sacred per the Islamic calendar, the day of Arafat.

The sunni mosque where the detained spiritual leader presides is closed down. Muslims worldwide consider closure of mosque as a grave crime. A regional governor is said to have through a decree announced the closure of the mosque, citing “public disorder”.

The Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina Faso (FAIB), in a statement called on all Muslim faithful to remain calm, exercise restraints, maintain serenity, while avoiding speculations and or the dissemination of unverified information. The El Hadj Oumarou ZOUNGRANA signed statement also called for the preservation of social peace.

Interestingly, the state has since being mute relative to the where about of the preacher. Reason for the arrest is also not disclosed. Except a statement issued by the prosecutor of Burkina Faso – Sawadgo Desire, denying the rumor of the detained spiritual leader’s death in detention.

Dr. Mohammed Ishaq Kindo’s preaching and teaching is said to have run into decades since his return to Burkina Faso from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he had his Islamic studies and earned a doctorate degree.

Ibrahim Traore’s led junta assumed power in September 2022, following a military coup.

As of press time, our source in the capital said Dr. Kindo’s mosque remain closed, with some level of calm seen.

Telephone Calls placed to the office of the Federation of Burkina Faso went unanswered.

Burkina Faso: Arrested Imam's Mosque Closed Amid Protests

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