Burkina Faso’s military-led government has announced the arrest of eight individuals linked to a Dutch-based humanitarian organisation, accusing them of "spying and treason". Among those detained are three Europeans, one Malian, and four Burkinabé nationals, including the NGO’s country director and deputy.

According to the authorities, the group is accused of having "collected and passed on sensitive security information that could be detrimental to national security and the interests of Burkina Faso, to foreign powers", as stated by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana.

The International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), which supports aid workers with safety-related data, has "categorically" denied the allegations. The organisation revealed the arrests had taken place some time ago, although the incidents had not been previously disclosed.

INSO representative Anthony Neal told reporters that their Burkina Faso country director had been in custody since July, coinciding with the suspension of the organisation’s activities. The other seven individuals were arrested in the weeks that followed.

"We continue to work towards their safe and immediate release," said Neal.

Authorities suspended INSO on 31 July for three months, citing the "collecting [of] sensitive data without authorisation". The NGO has been operating in the country since 2019.

Despite the suspension, the security minister claimed that members of the NGO continued to hold meetings and covertly gather information. Mr Neal refuted these claims, stating that information-collection activities stopped on 31 July. However, staff remained in the country to handle the detentions and meet existing contractual obligations.

In a statement, the organisation clarified that the data it gathers is not confidential and is intended solely for the safety of humanitarian personnel. It also noted that the Burkinabé authorities were "fully aware" of its mission and had previously cooperated with the group.

Neal further stated he had made efforts to engage with the government to resolve any "misunderstandings or concerns", stressing the importance of safety information, particularly in a year where a "record" number of aid workers have lost their lives globally.

Burkina Faso, under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traore following a coup three years ago, has seen strained relations with Western nations. In its efforts to combat a worsening Islamist insurgency, the junta severed ties with France, the country’s former colonial ruler, and sought military support from Russia.

Since then, human rights organisations have accused the military of committing abuses against civilians during counterinsurgency operations and of suppressing political opposition and freedom of expression.