Escalating Violence Against Civilians in Burkina Faso

Recent reports from Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlight a disturbing increase in violence against civilians in Burkina Faso, with jihadist groups carrying out brutal attacks, including door-to-door killings and assaults on places of worship. The report indicates that over 6,000 deaths have occurred in the country within the first eight months of the year, with approximately 1,000 civilians losing their lives to Islamist insurgents.

Burkina Faso has been embroiled in a conflict with jihadist factions, including those affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS), since 2016. Following a coup led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré two years ago, there were expectations for a swift improvement in the security situation. However, violence has escalated dramatically instead.

HRW’s latest report details the horrific acts committed by these militants. Many attacks are said to be retaliatory, targeting communities that resist joining the jihadists or are perceived as collaborating with the government forces. A notable incident occurred in February when attackers opened fire on churchgoers in the village of Essakane, resulting in 12 fatalities. One survivor recounted the chilling scene, noting the bloodshed and devastation within the church.

The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) claimed responsibility for the Essakane attack. Additionally, the report draws attention to the activities of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). Eyewitness accounts from a June attack in Sindo describe gunfire aimed indiscriminately at villagers, leaving behind a scene of horror with bodies strewn across the area.

Further violence was reported in Mansila, where militants attacked after killing numerous soldiers at a nearby army base. Residents reported that jihadists systematically executed men accused of working with the military, demonstrating a ruthless approach to instilling fear in the populace.

Compounding the issue, HRW also noted that Burkinabè military and affiliated civilian groups have been implicated in serious human rights abuses during their operations against insurgents. A prior report accused the military of massacring at least 223 civilians earlier this year, raising concerns about the overall safety and governance within the country.

The control of Burkina Faso has increasingly slipped into the hands of jihadist groups, with the government now only maintaining authority over roughly half the nation. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), the staggering death toll reflects a deepening crisis, with estimates indicating that the figures do not even encompass all casualties from a particularly brutal attack on August 24 in Barsalogho, where JNIM claimed responsibility for the massacre.

Experts point to systemic flaws within Burkina Faso’s security architecture as a key factor in the ongoing violence. David Otto, an international defense and security analyst, emphasized the need for a comprehensive security strategy that can protect both civilians and national integrity. Concerns have also been raised about the military’s lack of resources; some commanders have indicated that they are outmatched in terms of ammunition compared to the insurgents.

In response to the escalating threat, Burkina Faso has shifted its military alliances, seeking assistance from Russia and aligning with other pro-Russian regimes in the region, such as Mali and Niger. However, experts argue that these juntas have struggled to consolidate power effectively, limiting their capacity to combat jihadist groups.

Ryan Cummings, who has co-authored a book on the Islamic State in Africa, criticized the lack of professionalism within Burkina Faso’s armed forces, citing inadequate training and resources as significant barriers to success in the fight against insurgency. The recent operations of these jihadist groups extend beyond Burkina Faso, with JNIM claiming responsibility for an assault on Mali’s capital, Bamako, indicating a broader regional threat.

As violence continues to escalate, the plight of civilians in Burkina Faso remains dire, underscoring the urgent need for both national and international responses to restore stability and protect vulnerable populations.