Summary
Burkina Faso's military government has arrested eight workers from a Dutch-based humanitarian organization, accusing them of spying and treason. The detained individuals include Europeans, a Malian, and Burkinabé nationals, and the organization denies the charges, stating their activities were only for humanitarian worker safety. The arrests are part of a tense relationship between the junta and Western entities.
Key Facts
- Burkina Faso's military government arrested eight NGO workers, alleging spying and treason.
- The individuals include three Europeans, one Malian, and four Burkinabé citizens.
- The arrests include the NGO's Burkina Faso country director and deputy.
- The Security Minister accused the NGO of collecting and sharing sensitive information that could harm national security.
- The International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) strongly denies these accusations.
- The NGO's activities were officially suspended on July 31 for collecting data without permission.
- The military government came to power three years ago and has since had strained relations with Western countries.
- Burkina Faso's government shifted alliances from France to Russia for military support due to an Islamist insurgency.
