Burkina Faso's military government says it has arrested eight members of a Dutch-based humanitarian organization, accusing them of 'spying and treason'.
They are three Europeans, a Malian, and four Burkinabé - among them the NGO's country director and deputy. The organization said they were detained some time ago but it was not previously reported.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated that the NGO had 'collected and passed on sensitive security information that could be detrimental to national security and the interests of Burkina Faso, to foreign powers'.
The International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), which provides safety information to aid workers, has 'categorically' denied the allegations.
Anthony Neal, a representative of the NGO, informed the BBC that its Burkina Faso country director had been detained since July when the organization was suspended. The seven others were arrested later.
'We continue to work towards their safe and immediate release,' he said.
The NGO was suspended on July 31 for three months by the authorities for 'collecting sensitive data without authorisation'. It has been operational in the country since 2019.
On Tuesday, the security minister claimed that despite being banned, members of the organization had continued to secretly collect information and hold meetings.
Neal denied the claim, asserting that their information-collection activities ceased on July 31, but staff remained in Burkina Faso to address the detention and fulfill contractual obligations.
A statement by the organization emphasized that the information collected was not confidential and was intended for the safety of humanitarian workers.
It added that the Burkinabé authorities were 'fully aware' of their work and mandate and had cooperated with the authorities.
Mr. Neal mentioned efforts to engage with the government concerning misunderstandings or concerns. He highlighted the critical need for safety information, especially with a record number of aid workers killed globally this year.
Burkina Faso's military regime, led by Capt Ibrahim Traore, has had a fraught relationship with Western nations after taking power in a coup three years ago. The junta has ceased collaboration with France, its former colonial ruler, turning instead to Russia for military support against a worsening Islamist insurgency.
Human rights organizations have criticized the military for alleged abuses against civilians during their operations against the militants and for suppressing political dissent and freedom of expression.
