Burkina Faso mourns as the body of Alino Faso is repatriated
The body of Burkinabe social media personality Alino Faso (real name Alain Christophe Traoré) was repatriated to Burkina Faso on Monday, three weeks after his controversial death in an Ivorian prison.
The 44-year-old influencer, was arrested in January 2025 on charges of “collaborating with foreign agents to undermine the army of Côte d’Ivoire and diplomatic interests.” On July 24, prison authorities claimed he died by suicide in his cell—an explanation immediately rejected by Burkina Faso officials.
Mounting tensions
Ouagadougou demanded an independent investigation but faced delays until the repatriation. Notably, Faso’s Ivorian lawyer was barred from witnessing the autopsy.
The case has sparked diplomatic friction, with Burkinabe activists alleging foul play and poor detention conditions.
The prosecutor of Burkina Faso denied torture allegations but provided no additional evidence supporting the suicide claim. The influencer’s family maintains he had no reason to take his own life.
