By Kennedy Nalyanya
The government of Burkina Faso has denounced the death of prominent activist Alain Traoré, also known as Alino Faso, while in custody in Ivory Coast, as an "assassination." Traoré, 44, was arrested six months ago on espionage charges, which his supporters claim were politically motivated.
According to the Ivorian authorities, Traoré took his own life at a military academy. However, Burkina Faso's Information Minister has rejected this theory, and Traoré's supporters accuse Ivory Coast of covering up political repression.
Traoré was a vocal advocate for the military-led governments in the Sahel region and had strained relations with the regional bloc Ecowas, which advocates for democratic rule. His supporters believe Ivory Coast, an Ecowas member, aimed to silence him due to his dissent.
The Burkinabé Foreign Minister has demanded a thorough investigation, repatriation of Traoré's body, and criticized the Ivorian authorities for announcing his death on social media without notifying his family.
Ivory Coast's public prosecutor has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Traoré's death. Human rights groups had previously raised concerns about Traoré's detention conditions and alleged violations of international human rights norms.
The incident has sparked tensions between Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, highlighting the complex regional dynamics in the Sahel.
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