Burkina Faso Accuses Dutch NGO of Espionage as INSO Demands Immediate Release of Detained Staff
The Dutch humanitarian organisation International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) has strongly denied accusations made by Burkina Faso’s military government, which claims the group engaged in “spying and treason.” The West African nation announced the arrest of eight INSO staff members, including foreign nationals, a move that has sparked international concern and calls for their immediate release.
Burkina Faso’s Allegations of Espionage
Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana confirmed that eight individuals affiliated with INSO were detained, alleging they had violated national laws by operating after their organisation was temporarily banned. Those arrested include a French man, a French-Senegalese woman, a Czech national, a Malian, and four Burkinabe citizens.
According to Sana, INSO was suspended three months ago for allegedly “collecting sensitive data without authorisation.” Despite the suspension, he claimed that some members “continued to work covertly,” holding private and online meetings while secretly gathering information.
Sana further accused the detained workers of transmitting “sensitive security data” that could harm the country’s interests and national security. He said the INSO’s country director, who had been previously detained at the start of the ban in July, was also among those re-arrested.
INSO Firmly Rejects Allegations
In response, INSO, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands, released a statement categorically rejecting all accusations of espionage and treason. The organisation insists its sole mission is to improve safety and coordination among humanitarian workers operating in high-risk environments.
“We remain committed to doing everything in our power to secure the safe release of all our colleagues,” INSO stated, adding that the claims made by Burkina Faso’s authorities are “entirely unfounded.”
The NGO clarified that the information it gathers is non-confidential and used exclusively for the purpose of ensuring humanitarian safety. “The data we collect is publicly available and helps aid organisations make informed security decisions,” INSO said.
Mounting Tensions Between Burkina Faso and the West
Since the September 2022 coup, Burkina Faso’s military government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has increasingly distanced itself from Western nations, particularly France, its former colonial ruler. Relations have soured over accusations of Western interference and a perceived lack of support in the country’s decade-long battle against insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Burkina Faso has joined forces with neighbouring Mali and Niger, both also under military rule, to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — a regional bloc designed to strengthen military and political cooperation. The three countries have since withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other Western-backed organisations.
In recent months, these governments have reduced defence cooperation with France and other Western allies in favour of closer military and security ties with Russia. Niger, for instance, recently nationalised a major uranium mine previously operated by the French nuclear firm Orano, a move seen as a symbol of the shifting geopolitical alignment in the region.
Humanitarian Challenges Amid Security Crackdown
The arrest of INSO staff highlights growing tensions between humanitarian agencies and Sahelian military regimes, which have grown increasingly suspicious of Western-linked NGOs. Several aid organisations operating in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have reported mounting restrictions, tighter controls, and accusations of spying.
Despite the government’s claims, INSO is widely recognised within the humanitarian community as a neutral organisation that provides safety information and coordination for aid workers across conflict zones. The group operates in over 20 countries worldwide, offering real-time risk assessments, safety briefings, and logistical support for humanitarian staff working in volatile regions.
Human Rights Concerns and International Response
The arrests have triggered concern among human rights advocates and international organisations. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other advocacy groups have repeatedly warned about the deteriorating human rights climate in Burkina Faso and neighbouring states.
They accuse both armed insurgents and national military forces of committing atrocities against civilians during counterinsurgency operations. Reports of mass killings, forced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions have surfaced as security forces attempt to regain control of rebel-held territories.
INSO’s case, critics argue, underscores the shrinking space for humanitarian operations in the Sahel. As governments tighten control over data and movement, aid workers face greater risks of arrest, intimidation, or expulsion.
A Nation Under Siege
Burkina Faso’s government insists its tough stance is necessary to protect national sovereignty. The country remains one of the hardest-hit by jihadist violence in West Africa, with thousands of people killed and nearly two million displaced since the insurgency began in 2015.
The military junta claims it is making progress in reclaiming territory, but analysts say insecurity has only worsened in rural areas. Villages across northern and eastern Burkina Faso remain under constant threat from militant attacks, and humanitarian agencies have become essential lifelines for those cut off from food and medical aid.
The Road Ahead for INSO and Burkina Faso
INSO maintains that it will pursue all diplomatic and legal channels to secure the release of its eight detained staff members. The organisation said it is working closely with the Dutch and other European governments to ensure a safe resolution and to prevent further escalation.
Observers fear, however, that the arrests could mark a turning point in how Burkina Faso handles foreign humanitarian organisations. If the junta continues to equate aid work with espionage, experts warn, it could further isolate the country and endanger much-needed relief operations.
Despite growing international pressure, the Burkinabe authorities have yet to provide evidence to substantiate their claims. INSO, meanwhile, continues to call for calm and dialogue, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian neutrality.
Conclusion
The standoff between Burkina Faso’s military rulers and the Dutch NGO INSO reflects the broader breakdown in trust between Western humanitarian institutions and the Sahel’s military regimes. As Burkina Faso struggles to maintain security and sovereignty amid deepening isolation, the arrest of foreign aid workers risks worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis and eroding its international standing.