The upcoming review of Burkina Faso by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has raised significant international human rights concerns. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the commission to press Burkina Faso on key issues such as the protection of civilians amid the country’s ongoing armed conflict, restrictions imposed on journalists and political opposition, and the accountability for human rights violations. The HRW Africa Advocacy Director, Allan Ngari, emphasized the need for authorities to prioritize civilian protection during military operations and to adhere to international humanitarian law.
The nation’s report on implementing rights, as stipulated by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, covers the period from 2015 to 2021 but is said not to address the current human rights challenges. Under the law, the Burkinabè government holds the primary responsibility for ensuring justice for serious crimes. However, HRW criticizes the government for its limited progress in investigating or prosecuting those responsible for grave offenses since the armed conflict began in 2016.
International organizations and rights groups have expressed concerns over the state of human rights in Burkina Faso both during and after the given reporting period. For instance, in the previous year, Amnesty International highlighted ongoing war crimes and human rights abuses by armed groups, including civilian killings and abductions. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, also expressed concern this May over the increasing killings by armed groups and state authorities.
HRW recently reported a surge in violence against civilians, noting that Islamist groups have intensified their attacks amidst conflict with the government. The report counts over 6,000 deaths from these conflicts just within the first eight months of 2024. HRW documented “grave abuses” by both Burkinabè authorities and Islamist armed groups, and has condemned the government’s restrictions on civil and political freedoms, including unlawful conscription, and the crackdown on activists and journalists.
The situation in Burkina Faso has worsened since 2016 when Islamist extremists from Mali expanded their activities into the country. The region witnessed an uptick in violence following the military coup in October 2022. This political shift brought interim president Ibrahim Traoré to power, extending junta rule in May 2024 for another five years, despite mounting international concerns over human rights abuses.
As the commission’s review proceeds, international eyes will remain focused on Burkina Faso’s human rights landscape and the potential for improving the country’s compliance with international standards.