Burkina Faso Protests Death Influencer in Ivorian Custody
Hundreds of Burkinabè dressed in white marched through Ouagadougou on July 29, 2025, demanding justice for social media activist Alain Traoré, known as Alino Faso, who died in Ivorian custody days earlier. Traoré was found dead in his Abidjan cell on July 24. Ivorian authorities reported his death as suicide, but this explanation is fiercely contested by his supporters and Burkinabè officials, who insist an independent international investigation is essential.
The 32-year-old influencer, known for his online activism, had been detained in Ivory Coast since January 2025. He faced serious charges, including collusion with foreign agents and conspiracy against the state. His supporters and those joining the protests in the capital believe these charges were politically motivated.
The procession traversed from the Thomas Sankara Memorial to the Ivorian Embassy, symbolizing a direct challenge to the Ivorian government’s narrative. Demonstrators denounced the official suicide account and insisted on uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the activist’s death while imprisoned.
The Burkinabè government has formally condemned Traoré’s death. Calling for transparency, Ouagadougou has urged a joint investigation with Ivory Coast to reveal the truth. Adding to the tension, some protesters went further, demanding accountability for what they see as increased repression under Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, with even calls for his resignation emerging. Burkinabè Minister of Communication has stated that Traoré’s death “will not go unpunished,” intensifying pressure for a thorough probe beyond the official claim.
The situation carries significant potential to strain relations between the neighboring West African nations. Human rights organizations are actively advocating for an impartial inquiry to ensure the investigation’s credibility and objectivity. For Traoré’s family and his supporters, the core demands remain simple yet agonizing: they are still awaiting his return and the definitive truth about how he died while in Ivorian hands.
