Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – July 2025

Alino Faso, a well-known Burkinabè social media personality and outspoken political commentator, was found dead in his detention cell in Abidjan this week—just days after his arrest under murky circumstances.

Ivorian authorities have claimed that the 29-year-old died by suicide, stating he was found hanged with a piece of cloth. But human rights groups, family members, and pan-African activist circles are demanding an independent investigation, citing inconsistencies and a history of intimidation.

Alino, known for his fiery videos criticizing political elites and championing Burkinabè sovereignty, had fled Ouagadougou for Abidjan earlier this year, alleging state harassment. He was detained last week without formal charges being publicly disclosed.

“This is not just a tragedy—it’s a human rights alarm bell,” said Aminata Bamba, a regional coordinator with the West Africa Justice Coalition. “We need full transparency, and we need it now.”

Social media has erupted with the hashtags #JusticeForAlinoFaso and #WhoKilledAlino, as candlelight vigils take place in both Ouagadougou and Abidjan.

Alino’s case adds to growing concern over freedom of speech in the Sahel region, where civil liberties have come under increasing pressure amid military-led governments, insurgency, and tightening state control.

The governments of Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire have not released joint statements, but international observers are calling on ECOWAS and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to step in.

Meanwhile, the Ivorian Ministry of Justice says a post-mortem examination is “underway,” but activists fear a cover-up is already in motion.

Alino Faso had over 800,000 followers across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, and was seen by many youth as a fearless voice for political reform.