The Burkinabe government adopted a decree on Thursday making it mandatory for all approved non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations to open and register their cash accounts with the Treasury Deposit Bank (BDT).
This significant move to increase financial traceability comes amid a high-profile espionage investigation involving a foreign organization.
Under the new decree, all financial transactions by NGOs and associations—including grants, subsidies, donations, and other resources—must now be channeled exclusively through accounts opened at the BDT.
Authorities stated that the measure aims to ensure better traceability of funds, preventing the risks of money laundering, embezzlement, and the financing of activities contrary to public order. The government believes this centralized mechanism will also help build confidence with financial partners while adhering to Burkina Faso’s international commitments in the fight against terrorism and illicit financial flows.
This regulatory shift coincides with the dismantling of an alleged espionage network operating under humanitarian cover, involving the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), which is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
According to the authorities, seven individuals—including French, Czech, and Malian nationals—were arrested and are facing prosecution for “collecting sensitive information” on the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), constituting charges of espionage and treason.
Minister Mahamadou Sana confirmed that intelligence services, acting on a citizen tip-off, discovered that INSO was allegedly gathering sensitive data on the country’s security, political, and administrative operations. Authorities claim INSO collected detailed information on the movements of military convoys, deployed resources, areas of operation, and incidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
INSO, which had been present in Burkina Faso since 2019 to support humanitarian NGOs on security matters, allegedly utilized a three-tiered structure: Former FDS members acting as advisors. Field agents responsible for data collection. Community outreach workers who received compensation for their contributions.
INSO’s country director, Jean-Christophe Emile Pegon (a French national), reportedly admitted to instructing his staff to collect information, though he did not specify its exact purpose. Among those arrested are the French-Senegalese deputy director, Aminata Marianne Guisse, and the Czech deputy general director, Thomas Muzik, alongside several Burkinabe employees and a Malian national.
The organization, which was suspended on July 31, 2025, is accused of continuing certain activities despite the official suspension. Thursday’s decree thus significantly tightens the regulation and oversight of NGO activities and funding amid heightened vigilance regarding organizations operating within the country.
HO/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA