In mid-April, an imam from Bobo Dioulasso, Mahmoud Barro, was detained under similar circumstances. Days earlier, on March 31, cyberactivist Mahamadi Baguian—a government supporter—died following his arrest by Ouagadougou police.

These incidents—including the Tuesday afternoon detention of Imam Mohamed Kindo—center on a contentious government bill aimed at regulating religious freedoms. The legislation, which seeks to restrict worship outside private spaces including public offices, hospitals, and military barracks, was approved by the Council of Ministers on March 19.

The proposal has ignited fierce opposition, particularly among Sunni Muslims, with influential Imam Kindo emerging as a vocal critic. His arrest on the eve of Eid al-Adha triggered mass protests as hundreds took to the streets of the capital. Clashes with security forces erupted, featuring tear gas and aggressive crowd dispersal tactics in downtown areas.