Pô—Muslims in the province of Nahouri organized a peaceful march on October 27, 2023, to demand the land title for the Friday mosque in Pô, currently owned by economic operator Robert Alorpaga Tabassé.

According to Burkina Informational Agency, the local coordinator of the Coordination of Young Muslims of Burkina (CJMB), the march aimed to express discontent following Robert Alorpaga Tabassé’s alleged intent to demolish the mosque to build an economic establishment. Several Muslims from the five municipalities in Nahouri province responded to the CJMB’s call to demonstrate against the economic operator.

In a message sent to provincial authorities, these Nahouri Muslims stated they believe the land title held by Robert Alorpaga Tabassé is the result of fraud and a violation of law regarding land transfer. They noted that the land had been allocated to the Muslim community in 2005 by a municipal council decision, a claim backed by 16 of 17 councilors. However, the process to finalize the title was continually interrupted by the country’s political instability.

Akouabou said that during the term of Akowé Victor Zangouyo (2016-2022), the request for the mosque’s land title was refused on the grounds that the mosque is located in a commercial zone. Akouabou further stated that no council deliberation transferring the disputed land to Tabassé took place.

High Commissioner Auguste Kinda received the protesters’ message and commended them for their peaceful demonstration. Kinda assured the marchers that their demands would be forwarded to the relevant authorities.

Robert Alorpaga Tabassé, in a message sent to the Burkina Information Agency (AIB), declined to comment except to say, “Personally I have no words. I leave myself to God and the legal authorities. May God make the right known.”