Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a report urging the government of Burkina Faso to prioritize the safety of civilians amidst ongoing conflicts with armed rebel groups. The report highlights that the government’s actions have unnecessarily endangered civilians, particularly during an attack by the al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), in August, which resulted in the deaths of at least 133 individuals.
The attack in the central region of Burkina Faso marked one of the deadliest incidents this year, as the country grapples with a surge of violence from various armed groups. Witnesses reported that villagers in Barsalogho, located approximately 80 kilometers from the capital, Ouagadougou, were compelled to assist security forces in constructing trenches intended to safeguard military outposts and local communities. During this operation, JNIM fighters opened fire on the villagers.
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Many villagers expressed their reluctance to assist, fearing retaliation from the armed group. However, they reported that they were coerced by military personnel into participating in the trench-digging efforts through intimidation and physical abuse. JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack, justifying it by labeling the villagers as state-affiliated fighters.
HRW confirmed the details of the incident through video analysis and eyewitness accounts, reporting that among the deceased were numerous children, with injuries sustained by at least 200 additional individuals. The organization condemned the attack as a blatant war crime and called for urgent action to ensure the protection of civilians.
Carine Kaneza Nantulya, HRW’s deputy Africa director, emphasized that the massacre in Barsalogho exemplifies the atrocities committed by Islamist armed groups against civilians, who have been put in jeopardy by government actions. She insisted that authorities must take immediate steps to prioritize civilian protection.
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In contrast, Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala refuted HRW’s claims, asserting that forced labor is illegal in Burkina Faso and that allegations of military coercion for trench digging have not been substantiated.
The violence perpetrated by groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS has resulted in thousands of fatalities and the displacement of over two million individuals in Burkina Faso, with nearly half of the nation falling outside governmental control. The persistent violence has led to two military coups in 2022, yet the current military administration has struggled to fulfill its commitment to restoring security, despite efforts to forge new alliances with Russia and neighboring West African nations.
Moreover, the government’s reliance on armed civilian groups known as Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland has raised concerns about further endangering civilian populations, as highlighted by Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior Sahel researcher at HRW.
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HRW’s report underscores the urgent need for Burkina Faso’s government to reassess its strategies in dealing with armed groups and to implement measures that prioritize civilian safety. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated humanitarian crises, and the government’s approach must evolve to effectively address these challenges while safeguarding the lives of its citizens.
