Amidst the solemn 36th anniversary commemoration of student Dabo Boukary’s assassination during the Blaise Compaoré era, the General Union of Burkinabè Students (Ugeb) issued a strong condemnation of the military regime. The prominent student association highlighted the government’s ‘inability to restore security’ across Burkina Faso, directly challenging Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s earlier assurances made upon seizing power in a coup d’état. This criticism from a key voice in society Africa underscores ongoing concerns about governance Africa.

Days following this public statement, unidentified armed individuals, dressed in civilian clothes, forcefully and unlawfully apprehended several students. Among those detained was Ugeb’s president. The student association itself reported these arrests, describing them as aggressive and without legal basis, raising questions about rights and African politics.

Government accuses Ugeb of ‘apology for terrorism’

These arrests were swiftly followed by a grave accusation of ‘apology for terrorism’ leveled against the student body. Subsequently, the Ministry of Territorial Administration announced Ugeb’s suspension for an initial period of three months, subject to renewal. During this suspension, the student association is strictly prohibited from conducting any activities.

In light of these serious allegations, the Prosecutor of Faso, attached to the Ouaga2 High Court, initiated a judicial inquiry. The prosecutor’s official statement highlighted the ‘gravity’ of the facts.

According to the prosecutor, the actions attributed to Ugeb could potentially constitute offenses under the Burkinabè penal code. Specifically, they might be interpreted as an ‘undertaking to demoralize the defense and security forces,’ a serious charge in the context of African politics and national security.

The prosecutor further emphasized that public ‘apology for acts of terrorism’ carries a potential prison sentence of one to ten years under Burkinabè law.