The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is calling for a “transparent and diligent” investigation into the death of Burkinabe activist Alain Christian Traore, also known as Alino Faso.
In a statement, AES ministers demanded justice while also condemning European sanctions against several prominent Pan-Africanist figures.
In a statement signed by Malian Justice Minister Mamoudou Kassogué on behalf of the AES ministerial council, the alliance condemned the “illegal arrest, confinement in a barracks, and suspicious death” of the Burkinabe activist in Côte d’Ivoire. They called for the prosecution of all “perpetrators, co-perpetrators, and accomplices.” The demand for an investigation follows the repatriation and burial of Traore’s remains in Ouagadougou. Burkinabe courts have ordered an autopsy to be included in the investigation file.
The same statement also condemned the European Union’s sanctions against several Pan-Africanist activists, including Nathalie Yamb, who faced an entry and transit ban and an asset freeze. The AES ministers also criticized “harassment measures” targeting Franklin Nyamsi, Kemi Seba, and Ibrahima Maiga, among others.
The AES ministers argue that these actions are a “serious attack” on fundamental freedoms and violate multiple international human rights charters. They see the sanctions and harassment as attempts to “muzzle African voices” under the “false pretext” of combating foreign influence.
Reaffirming their solidarity with the targeted activists, the AES ministers called on all African peoples to strengthen their unity in the face of external pressure. They concluded that these efforts would only “strengthen the determination” to build a “sovereign, united, and respected Africa.”
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA