A 28-year-old Ghanaian man, Zakaria Abubakari from Savelugu, has shared his harrowing experience of being detained for 77 days in Burkina Faso. He was arrested on February 26, 2026, in Kongoussi by armed soldiers while staying at the home of an acquaintance during his travel to Mali.
Arrest and Initial Detention
Mr. Zakaria was apprehended around 7:00 p.m. in Kongoussi, a region known for significant activity by non-state armed groups, including Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin. He explained that soldiers stormed the house where he was staying and immediately blindfolded him after his arrest.
He was then transported to a military detention facility in Kaya, where he spent the first 13 days of his confinement. Following this initial period, he was moved to another undisclosed location for approximately 50 days before a final transfer to Ouagadougou.
Interrogations and Release
In Ouagadougou, Mr. Zakaria remained in police custody for an additional period before his eventual release in late April. Throughout his detention, security officials repeatedly questioned him about his reasons for being in Kongoussi.
Authorities eventually concluded their investigations and found no evidence linking Mr. Zakaria to any jihadist groups. Despite his release, he reported that none of his confiscated belongings, including his clothing, were returned to him.
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