Burkina Faso’s military government arrested eight staff members of the Dutch humanitarian group INSO, accusing them of spying and treason.

The detainees, including French, Czech, Malian, and Burkinabe nationals, were alleged to have collected sensitive security information after the organisation was banned for three months.

INSO “categorically” rejected the allegations, stating that its information-gathering is solely for the safety of humanitarians and largely public.

The arrests reflect Burkina Faso’s shift away from Western allies, particularly France, and closer alignment with Russia, alongside similar military governments in Mali and Niger, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The region continues to face security challenges, with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda controlling territory and Human Rights Watch highlighting potential atrocities.