As the whereabouts of political figure Ablassé Ouédraogo remain unknown for a week and the family of Daouda Diallo awaits information on the fate of the representative from the Collective against Impunity and Stigmatization of Communities in Burkina Faso for nearly a month, their common denominator appears to be their outspoken criticism of the military junta, leading to suspected forced military enrollment. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemns these requisitions and methods in a statement released on Sunday.
A week after the arrest of former minister Ablassé Ouédraogo, ECOWAS denounces the “illegal and arbitrary” nature of the requisition procedures that have recurrently targeted individuals in Burkina Faso who express dissenting voices against the regime of Ibrahim Traoré, according to the statement issued on Sunday.
The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States expresses “concern” regarding the “interrogation and detention of political figures and civil society members by the transitional authorities.” This concern is followed by an “urgent appeal for the immediate release of those detained.” Additionally, ECOWAS urges the Burkinabe authorities to take urgent measures for a “swift return to constitutional order.”
On the eve of this statement’s publication, Ablassé Ouédraogo’s family released a message expressing their lack of information about the leader of the Faso Autrement party.
The ECOWAS statement underscores the regional organization’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and human rights, calling for a cessation of arbitrary measures and a swift return to constitutional governance in Burkina Faso. The evolving situation in the country raises concerns about the protection of political and civil liberties, prompting international bodies to scrutinize developments and advocate for the immediate release of those detained for expressing dissenting opinions.