The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has demanded a thorough investigation into the death in custody of Burkinabe activist Alain Christian Traoré, popularly known as Alino Faso, in Côte d’Ivoire.
In a statement signed by Malian Justice Minister Mamoudou Kassogué on behalf of the ministerial college, the bloc described his arrest and detention as unlawful and his death as suspicious.
His body was repatriated and buried last weekend in Ouagadougou, with Burkinabe authorities confirming that an autopsy had been ordered as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The AES extended condolences to his family and urged the prosecution of all those responsible.
The statement also denounced sanctions imposed by the European Union on June 26 against pan-Africanist activist Nathalie Yamb, which include an asset freeze, travel restrictions, and flight bans.
It further criticized measures targeting other figures such as Franklin Nyamsi, Kemi Seba, and Ibrahima Maïga, describing them as violations of fundamental freedoms and human rights charters.
The AES maintained that such actions are aimed at silencing African voices and reaffirmed its solidarity with the targeted activists, calling on Africans to strengthen unity and resilience against external pressure in the pursuit of a sovereign and respected continent.
