Burkina Faso: The Federation of Pan-African Movements call on the Burkinabe authorities to release Nestor Podassé

On Monday, February 27th, 2023, the Bobo-Dioulasso’s court sentenced Nestor Podassé, the national coordinator of the “Planet of young patriots” organization, to 24 months in prison, on which 12 custodial ones; and a fine of two million CFA francs.

Mr. Nestor Podassé who is both the National Coordinator of “Planet of young patriots” and the President of the Federation of Pan-African Movements (FMP in French), was arrested on February 9th on charges of “death threats under certain conditions” following a public demonstration calling for the withdrawal of the French army from Burkina Faso.

This condemnation has sparked outrage among many Pan-Africanists in Burkina Faso and around the world, who believe that he is a political prisoner and that his sentence is motivated by political considerations rather than legal ones.

The Federation of Pan-African Movements (FMP) is calling on the Burkinabe justice system to show clemency and release Nestor Podassé. The release of Podassé would be a strong signal from the Burkinabe authorities regarding their commitment to human rights, and would be a positive sign for national cohesion during this critical period in the fight against terrorism. This will also help to enhance citizen’s trust in the Burkinabe judicial system and promote an environment conducive to the respects of human rights and the protection of fundamental systems.

We call on the Burkinabe authorities to release Nestor Podassé. We also urge all Pan-Africanists to support this action by calling for clemency from the justice system. It is time to act to ensure cohesion in Burkina Faso during this time of the fight against terrorism.