Burkinabe cyberactivist Alain Christophe Traore, widely known as Alino Faso, was found dead by hanging in his cell at the Abidjan Gendarmerie School, according to a statement from the Ivorian public prosecutor.
The government has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the way the news of Traore’s death was communicated. Foreign Minister Jean Marie Traore condemned what he called a process marked by “disregard for the victim’s family and the Burkinabe people.”
He noted that neither the Burkinabe embassy nor consulate in Côte d’Ivoire — nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ouagadougou — had been officially notified of the incident, which remains shrouded in mystery.
News of Traore’s death emerged only 72 hours later, through a brief press release, sparking outrage and confusion in Burkina Faso.
In response, the Burkinabe foreign minister summoned the Chargée d’Affaires of the Ivorian embassy in Ouagadougou on July 28. The diplomat confirmed Traore’s death, but the minister sharply criticised the manner in which it was handled, calling it unworthy of the fraternal relations between the two countries.
“There was a profound lack of respect and consideration — not only toward Burkinabe authorities, but especially toward the deceased’s family, who learned of his death through social media,” Minister Traore lamented.
Burkina Faso is now demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Traore’s death.
“Although he was stripped of his Ivorian citizenship, Alain Christophe Traore remained a citizen of Burkina Faso. We demand the repatriation of his remains so that he may be laid to rest in his homeland,” the minister stated.
Alino Faso had been detained in Côte d’Ivoire since January 2025 on charges of espionage. While Ivorian authorities have officially described his death as suicide, many in Burkina Faso are calling for greater transparency and clarity.
HO/te/lb/as/APA