Burkina Faso releases aid workers previously accused of spying

Eight staff members of the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) have been released by Burkina Faso’s authorities after being detained on accusations of espionage, according to media. The government had revoked the operating licences of 21 NGOs in July, including the Netherlands based INSO. Although the arrests took place from July onwards, officials only disclosed them publicly in early October.

INSO said the eight detainees, a French national, a French Senegalese woman, a Czech citizen, a Malian and four Burkinabe staff, were quietly freed at the end of October. The organisation welcomed their safe release and thanked those who supported the process. Authorities had alleged that INSO collected and shared sensitive security information with foreign powers and continued operating covertly despite the suspension of its licence. INSO, which provides security analysis to humanitarian groups, did not offer further comment on the accusations.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to helping aid groups deliver assistance safely across Burkina Faso. At the end of 2024, neighbouring Niger, a close ally of Burkina Faso, also withdrew INSO’s authorisation to work in its territory

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