Unprecedented violence and impunity in Burkina Faso
The conflict in Burkina Faso has escalated into one of Africa’s most brutal humanitarian crises, with all armed factions—government forces, allied militias, and Al-Qaeda-linked groups—perpetrating war crimes and crimes against humanity since 2023.
Devastating toll on civilians
- More than 1,800 civilians killed by government forces, allied militias, and an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group since 2023
- Tens of thousands forcibly displaced, with entire communities targeted based on ethnicity
- Systematic destruction of villages, blockades of humanitarian aid, and widespread sexual violence
Government’s role in atrocities
Under President Ibrahim Traoré, the military junta has intensified repression, targeting political opponents, independent media, and ethnic Fulani communities—accused of supporting Islamist militants. Reports document:
- Massacres in villages like Djibo and Bassé, where over 400 civilians were executed in December 2023
- Forced displacements and ethnic cleansing campaigns against Fulani populations
- Suppression of information and denial of abuses to conceal the scale of violence
Islamist armed groups’ brutality
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), linked to Al-Qaeda, has also committed grave violations, including:
- Targeted killings of civilians in villages like Barsalogho, where 133 people—including children—were slaughtered in August 2024
- Sieges on towns, cutting off food and medical supplies, leading to starvation and disease
- Use of improvised explosives and destruction of critical infrastructure (bridges, water sources)
International calls for accountability
Human Rights Watch’s 341-page report, based on interviews with 450+ survivors and analysis of satellite imagery, highlights the junta’s and GSIM’s shared responsibility for crimes against humanity. Key findings include:
- Top commanders—including President Traoré and GSIM leader Iyad Ag Ghaly (under ICC warrant)—could face prosecution for command responsibility
- Near-total impunity for all warring parties, with victims denied access to justice
- Urgent need for sanctions and ICC investigations to break the cycle of violence
What’s next?
Regional bodies and international partners—including the UN, African Union, EU, and US—must pressure Burkina Faso to:
- End abuses by all factions and hold perpetrators accountable
- Allow unfettered humanitarian access and protect displaced civilians
- Cooperate with the ICC to ensure justice for victims
“The world must acknowledge the horrors unfolding in Burkina Faso and demand an end to the suffering,” said Philippe Bolopion, Human Rights Watch’s Executive Director. “Silence only enables further atrocities.”
