Human Rights Watch has revealed a horrifying picture of the violations committed by the Burkinabe armed forces and their militias, alongside jihadist groups, which may amount to crimes against humanity. The report, based on over 450 testimonies, showed that more than 1800 civilians lost their lives in 57 documented incidents between January 2023 and August 2025.
The responsibility for these crimes is shared between the Burkinabe armed forces and their militias known as "Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland," and the group known as the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, which is linked to al-Qaeda. The report also indicated that tens of thousands of civilians have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to escalating violence.
Details of the Events
Commenting on the findings, Philippe Bolopion, the organization's executive director, stated that "the scale of atrocities committed in Burkina Faso is staggering, as is the lack of international attention to this crisis." The Burkinabe government rejected this report, labeling it as "false," with government spokesman Gilbert Ouédraogo asserting that the government reserves the right to take necessary measures against organizations it considers imperialistic.
The report published by Human Rights Watch, titled "No One Will Survive: War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Committed by All Parties in Burkina Faso," exceeds 300 pages and is based on testimonies collected in several neighboring countries. It also utilized open-source materials including satellite images and hours of video and audio recordings.
Background & Context
These violations come in the context of a continuing escalation of violence since 2016, when a wave of armed operations began in the country. Communities of the Fulani tribes have been particularly affected, facing targeting by government forces due to accusations of supporting what is termed jihadist insurgency.
Concerns are growing that these violations are not merely random acts of retaliation, but rather the result of a systematic suppression strategy adopted by the conflicting parties. The report noted that the chains of command and responsibility for these crimes may extend to the highest levels of the Burkinabe state.
Impact & Consequences
The report highlights the military council in Burkina Faso's failure to take any action to hold accountable those responsible for these violations, contributing to an atmosphere of terror and information blackout. This situation makes it difficult to document the true numbers of victims.
The continuation of these violations could exacerbate the humanitarian situation in the country and intensify the conflict, negatively impacting regional stability in the Sahel region.
Regional Significance
These events in Burkina Faso exemplify the challenges faced by African nations in combating terrorism and protecting human rights. They also underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises, as ignoring these violations could lead to the spread of violence in other areas.
In conclusion, the situation in Burkina Faso requires urgent international attention, as the continuation of violations may threaten stability across the entire region.