During his nationally televised interview on Monday, April 28, 2025, Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo addressed the Alino Faso case for the first time.
“To be honest, we were surprised. It’s true that Alino Faso—whose real name is Alain Traoré—is of Burkinabe origin. But he also served as a bridge between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire,” he said, noting that Alino lived in Abidjan with his Ivorian wife and their children while conducting business in both countries.
The Prime Minister recalled that Alino Faso had consistently promoted unity between the two peoples through the entertainment industry. He organized concerts and helped foster cultural exchanges between Burkinabe and Ivorian artists.
“So yes, we were surprised by his arrest. We’re being told he might be involved in subversive activities, but nothing has been clearly established. All we know is that he promoted his business, supported the fighting forces through his posts, and shared his views on various issues,” Ouédraogo added.
He emphasized that Alino Faso had always been perceived as a man of peace. The Prime Minister pointed out that Ivorian authorities had pledged to clarify the matter, but so far, no concrete information has been shared. “We are still waiting for answers,” he said, before expressing his support for the activist’s family: “We wish him strength, as well as his wife and children.”
In closing, Prime Minister Ouédraogo reiterated his skepticism: “I am convinced this is nothing more than a smokescreen.”
As a reminder, Alino Faso was arrested in Abidjan on Friday, January 10, 2025. While the official charges have not been disclosed, several sources point to allegations of espionage and subversive activities, amid ongoing tensions between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire.