“Stay Where You Are” – Traoré Tells Students Studying Sharia Law In Saudi Arabia Not To Return Home

BURKINA FASO: “Stay Where You Are” – Traoré Tells Students Studying Sharia Law In Saudi Arabia Not To Return Home

Burkina Faso’s leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré has told Burkinabè students studying Sharia law in Saudi Arabia to stay where they are.

Speaking during a nationwide address in July, the military leader said his government would repatriate hundreds of students who chose religious studies abroad instead of acquiring technical skills needed for national development.

“I am a Muslim, but everyone in Burkina Faso has the right to practise their own religion. There will be no Sharia law in this country,” Traoré declared.

He continued: “Instead of acquiring technological knowledge and skills that can help develop our country, you chose to study Sharia law. Stay where you are.”

According to reports, about 800 to 1,000 Burkinabè students are currently registered in Saudi Arabia studying Sharia and Islamic law.

Traoré, who describes himself as a practicing Muslim, stressed that Burkina Faso’s constitution stands above any religious code. He also revealed he turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia to build 200 mosques, asking instead for schools, hospitals, industries and businesses.

He warned that students who refuse to return could risk losing their Burkinabè citizenship, framing the issue as one of security and development