As Burkina Faso battles a relentless conflict with armed rebel groups, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for a renewed focus on civilian protection, criticizing the government for exposing people to unnecessary risks during recent attacks. In its latest report, the human rights organization highlighted the tragic events of August, where an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), killed at least 133 civilians in one of the most devastating assaults this year.
This attack took place in the Barsalogho commune, roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the capital, Ouagadougou. According to witness accounts gathered by HRW, the incident saw local villagers caught in the crossfire and exposed to danger as they were forced by the military to assist in defensive preparations, leading to deadly consequences.
Forced to the Frontline
According to HRW’s findings, as part of defensive measures, security forces in Barsalogho enlisted the help of villagers to dig trenches around strategic areas. These trenches were intended to fortify security posts and shield local communities from rebel attacks. But while these efforts aimed to protect the community, they inadvertently placed villagers, including young children, directly in harm’s way.
The report stated that many villagers resisted the task, fearing retaliation from rebel groups, who might see them as government collaborators. Yet, despite their reservations and the potential danger, they were compelled to work through threats and, in some cases, physical force from the military. Tragically, these fears came to fruition as JNIM fighters launched a deadly attack, seeing these civilians as government sympathizers and targeting them in the violence.
JNIM, which has claimed responsibility for the attack on August 24, stated it believed these civilians to be part of government-affiliated forces. Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes, with HRW corroborating their stories through video evidence and further accounts, revealing that the attack left over 200 people injured, with dozens of children among the victims.
A “War Crime,” Says HRW
In its assessment of the incident, HRW labeled the August assault as a “war crime” and sharply criticized both the rebel group and the government’s actions. Carine Kaneza Nantulya, HRW’s Deputy Africa Director, expressed grave concerns over what she called the “evident disregard for civilian life.” “The bloodshed in Barsalogho is the latest example of atrocities by Islamist armed groups against civilians whom the government has put at needless risk,” she stated, urging authorities to take immediate and effective action to ensure civilian safety.
Government Denies HRW’s Allegations
Despite HRW’s detailed report, Burkina Faso’s Justice Minister, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, rejected claims that civilians were coerced into forced labor by the military. Bayala stressed that forced labor is illegal in Burkina Faso, adding that allegations about the military pressuring villagers into digging trenches were unproven.
The government’s dismissal of these claims highlights the ongoing tensions between human rights organizations and Burkina Faso’s authorities as both parties seek solutions to an escalating crisis that has now displaced millions and left thousands dead.
The Growing Crisis in Burkina Faso
The attack on Barsalogho is one of many that have plagued Burkina Faso in recent years as armed groups linked to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS) continue to seize territory, terrorize communities, and destabilize the region. Since 2015, violence has escalated dramatically, with both groups vying for power and influence in the region, often at the expense of innocent civilians. Today, more than two million people are displaced, and vast swathes of the country are outside government control, complicating any efforts to restore peace and stability.
In response to this crisis, Burkina Faso experienced two military coups in 2022 alone, as successive governments have struggled to contain the violence. The latest ruling military government promised to restore security but has found itself challenged by the sheer scale of the conflict. In a bid to strengthen its defensive capabilities, the government has sought new alliances, reaching out to Russia and neighboring West African nations for support.
However, these partnerships have sparked mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. While some view them as necessary for bolstering the fight against rebels, others are concerned that reliance on foreign assistance could complicate the country’s path to long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Civilian Militia and the Risk to Communities
One of the government’s recent strategies has been to mobilize civilian groups, known as the “Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland” (VDP), to support the military. The VDP initiative allows civilians to train and arm themselves as a line of defense against rebel incursions. However, this approach has had unintended consequences, as HRW’s Sahel researcher, Ilaria Allegrozzi, points out. Allegrozzi warns that the involvement of untrained civilians in such a volatile conflict could inadvertently endanger more lives.
In a region already fraught with violence, the addition of civilian militias has led to heightened tensions. Allegrozzi noted that while these civilian groups have indeed shown bravery and resilience, the lack of formal military training and guidance has left them vulnerable. Rebel groups, viewing them as government allies, have specifically targeted these militia members, leading to numerous casualties.
The Call for a Shift in Strategy
The ongoing cycle of violence has left many Burkinabe citizens feeling caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to rely on the government for complete protection and fearful of being targeted by militant groups. HRW’s call for a shift in strategy emphasizes the need for more robust civilian protection measures. They argue that the government must rethink its approach, focusing on safeguarding civilians rather than risking their lives through forced participation in defensive operations.
For HRW, this means implementing clear policies that prioritize civilian safety over military tactics that place villagers in harm’s way. This includes engaging with international organizations, including the United Nations, to ensure that any security measures align with international humanitarian laws. The organization is pushing for an end to forced labor practices and has urged Burkina Faso’s government to introduce measures that prevent civilians from being drawn into direct conflict.
The Path Forward: Strengthening Security and Protecting Lives
The situation in Burkina Faso remains precarious, with daily life disrupted by the constant threat of violence. While the government’s efforts to seek foreign support and strengthen alliances may bring short-term relief, the ultimate solution lies in addressing the root causes of the conflict and building a lasting peace.
Experts suggest that a combination of diplomatic engagement, community-based peacebuilding, and socioeconomic investment is essential to restore stability. By providing education, healthcare, and job opportunities in vulnerable regions, the government can weaken the appeal of armed groups and help communities resist recruitment by rebels.
Moreover, international support in the form of humanitarian aid and resources for internally displaced persons can go a long way in stabilizing affected areas. Burkina Faso’s allies are also urged to offer technical and intelligence support to help the government address security challenges more effectively while ensuring that operations prioritize the safety of civilians.
An Urgent Need for Civilian-Centric Solutions
The deadly attack in Barsalogho serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect civilians in conflict zones. Human Rights Watch’s report underscores that while security measures are crucial, they should never come at the expense of innocent lives. By aligning military operations with humanitarian principles and international standards, Burkina Faso’s government has the opportunity to set a new course in its fight against armed groups.
For the people of Burkina Faso, peace remains elusive, but with the right policies and an unwavering commitment to protecting civilians, there is hope for a future free from the grip of violence.