Increasing Violence by Islamist Groups in Burkina Faso Raises Alarm

Increasing Violence by Islamist Groups in Burkina Faso Raises Alarm

Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over a surge in attacks by Islamist armed groups in Burkina Faso, warning that civilians are increasingly becoming victims of violence. Since February 2024, at least 128 civilians have been killed in attacks deemed violations of international humanitarian law, with many instances involving massacres of villagers, displaced persons, and Christian worshipers.

The primary groups involved, linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, have gained control over significant areas of the country and have been clashing with Burkinabé forces since 2016. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “These attacks on civilians are not only war crimes but also a cruel affront to human decency.”

Recent reports highlight a particularly devastating attack in late August, where at least 100 people, including soldiers, were killed in central Burkina Faso. The ongoing violence has left nearly half of the country outside government control and has displaced over 2 million people.

Despite a military junta taking power in 2022 with promises to combat the insurgency, security forces have struggled to regain control. The junta, led by Capt. Ibrahim Traore, has sought assistance from civilians, urging them to participate in security efforts. However, the response to increasing attacks has been hampered by insufficient air support and intelligence.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, an average of 19 people have been killed daily in 2024 due to armed group violence. The deteriorating situation in Burkina Faso is further complicated by human rights abuses from security forces, which have driven more individuals to join the Islamist groups.

The need for effective intervention and protection of civilians in Burkina Faso has never been more critical.

Source: Africa News