A prominent Algerian Islamist deported from Switzerland on Thursday is reported to have been sent to Burkina Faso.

Unofficial sources in the West African country say the Algerian, Ahmed Zaoui, has been housed in a villa near Ouagadougou airport, guarded by plain clothes police.

Switzerland refused to identify Mr Zaoui's destination, saying the country did not want to be named.

Mr Zaoui, who was based in Brussels before entering Switzerland illegally last year, has been investigated by several European countries in connection with alleged terrorist activities.

He has consistently denied belonging to the GIA, which has been waging an armed campaign against the Algerian government.