Burkina Faso’s opposition leader, Ablasse Ouedraogo, a former foreign minister and deputy director general of the World Trade Organisation, has been missing for three days.
Taken from his home by individuals claiming to be police, Ouedraogo has been a vocal critic of the military regime in power since the September 2022 coup.
The military previously drafted Ouedraogo to the front lines against terrorism in November, a move condemned by his party as retaliation for his outspoken criticism.
Now, his party, Le Faso Autrement, demands Ouedraogo’s immediate release, expressing concern over his disappearance.
The military junta, led by Capt. Ibrahim Traore, faces international scrutiny for alleged restrictions on liberty, press censorship, and democratic decline.
The U.S. State Department has voiced concerns about forced conscriptions and shrinking civic space in Burkina Faso.
