The death of Burkinabè political activist Alain Christophe Traoré, 44, widely known as “Alino Faso,” in an Abidjan prison has triggered a wave of controversy and heightened diplomatic tensions between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire.
Traoré was arrested last January on charges of “contact with foreign entities” and had been held without trial until his death was reported last week.
According to the Ivorian public prosecutor, Traoré “died by suicide.” However, the Burkinabè government rejected this version of events, accusing the Ivorian authorities of “negligence,” citing a three-day delay in being informed of the incident, and raising “serious suspicions of possible foul play.”
Ouagadougou has demanded an urgent and transparent investigation. The case comes amid already strained relations between the two neighboring countries, particularly in light of allegations linking Traoré to networks supportive of Burkina Faso’s military-led government.
Traoré, who had been living in Côte d’Ivoire for years running a restaurant, remained active on social media. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, while both governments have pledged further investigations, fueling fears of an escalating diplomatic crisis.
