Traoré Has Given Extremists A Weapon” — Gumi Reacts To Burkina Faso’s Anti-Sharia Stance

Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, following his decision to reject the adoption of Sharia law in the West African nation.

In a Facebook post published on Saturday, Gumi questioned Traoré’s understanding of the complex issues surrounding religion, governance, and global politics, arguing that the military leader lacked sufficient experience beyond his military background.

According to the cleric, Traoré’s limited exposure to broader political and social realities could affect his handling of sensitive national issues.

Gumi further argued that Burkina Faso’s decision to retain its secular status while rejecting Sharia law could inadvertently strengthen extremist groups by providing them with material to recruit new followers.

He warned that such a position could be exploited by radical elements seeking to rally support against the government.

“Capt. Ibrahim Traoré (born 14 March 1988), with his anti-Shariah stance, at the age of 38, with nothing but military training on his resumé, is too naïve to understand even the complicity of the society he is ruling under the gun, let alone the dynamics of contemporary geopolitics. He has given the extremists the weapon they need to conscript more foot soldiers against his secular regime,” Gumi wrote.

Traoré had earlier declared during a national address that Burkina Faso would not implement Sharia law despite having a Muslim-majority population.

The 38-year-old leader maintained that citizens would continue to enjoy the freedom to practise any religion of their choice, but stressed that Islamic law would not form part of the country’s legal framework.

He also questioned the decision of some Burkinabè citizens who travelled to Saudi Arabia to study Sharia, suggesting that acquiring knowledge in fields such as science and technology would contribute more directly to the country’s development.

Traoré further stated that those pursuing Sharia studies abroad should remain outside Burkina Faso after completing their education, adding that they would not be permitted to return to the country.