Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported a significant increase in violence against civilians by Islamist armed groups in Burkina Faso. According to the organization’s recent statement, more than 6,000 deaths have been documented in the first eight months of 2024 alone, with around 1,000 of these being civilian casualties. This violence is primarily attributed to groups associated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIL).
The documented incidents include targeted killings and assaults on communities either refusing to collaborate with insurgents or perceived to support government forces. HRW noted that since February 2024, at least 128 civilians have been killed in several attacks.
The human rights watchdog further revealed that jihadist factions now control large parts of the country, with government forces maintaining control over approximately half the territory. The deteriorating security situation is exacerbated by what HRW describes as an ineffective military strategy and lack of resources, with local testimonies revealing that armed forces are often ill-equipped to face the insurgents.
The rise in violence in Burkina Faso can be traced back to the incursion of Islamist groups from Mali in 2016 and has worsened following military coups in 2022, which led to a reliance on militias to combat the insurgency. Despite commitments from military leaders to enhance security conditions, the violence has only escalated.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the actions of both the armed groups and government forces, urging immediate action to protect civilians and address the growing humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands and caused severe food shortages due to blockades of essential supplies by these armed groups.
For more detailed information, you can read the full HRW report.