By Gloria Nosa
Tensions are rising in Burkina Faso after the country’s military government announced the arrest of eight aid workers from a Dutch-based humanitarian organization, accusing them of spying and treason—claims the group has firmly rejected.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana confirmed on Tuesday that the detainees work for the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), a Netherlands-headquartered agency focused on supporting humanitarian safety operations. Those arrested include citizens of Czechia, France, Mali, and Burkina Faso, according to government statements.
Authorities said INSO had already been suspended for three months in late July for allegedly “collecting sensitive data without authorization.” The NGO’s country director was detained during that initial crackdown. Sana alleged that, despite the suspension, INSO staff continued to conduct “covert meetings and unauthorized information gathering,” sharing details that could “threaten national security and aid foreign powers.”
INSO responded swiftly, issuing a statement dismissing the charges as “false and deeply concerning.” The group said the information it collects is non-confidential and publicly accessible, emphasizing that its work focuses solely on improving the safety of humanitarian operations, not espionage.
“Associating our mission with intelligence activities is completely untrue and endangers the very people we aim to protect,” INSO said, adding that it is working to secure the immediate release of its detained staff.
The arrests come amid a worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso, a nation of 23 million struggling with years of jihadist violence and instability. Since the 2022 military coup led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, more than 60% of the country has fallen outside government control, with over 2 million people displaced and 6.5 million in need of humanitarian aid.
Observers say the junta has become increasingly hostile toward Western organizations, imposing heavy restrictions on aid groups and tightening control over information. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s growing partnership with Russia—announced earlier this year to boost economic and security cooperation—marks a significant geopolitical shift away from its former Western allies.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the junta’s recent actions risk isolating the country further and worsening conditions for millions already caught in the crossfire of extremist violence and political repression.
