Burkina Faso’s government has strongly denied a new report accusing the military and allied militias of killing more than 1,800 civilians in what are described as crimes against humanity since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power three years ago.
The allegations, which also point to Islamist militants for some of the deaths, have been dismissed by officials as false, based on nothing more than guesswork and unfounded claims.
It is not the first time the junta has faced such accusations.According to the findings, the majority of the killings were carried out by Burkina Faso’s own forces and pro-government fighters.
One of the worst incidents reportedly happened in December 2023 in the northern town of Djibo, where more than 400 civilians were killed in a single operation.Survivors who lived through the violence described scenes of brutality that have left deep psychological scars.
Many say the trauma still haunts them today.The report was put together using videos, satellite images, and interviews with witnesses and people who escaped the attacks.
It paints a grim picture of the security situation in parts of the country where the fight against armed groups has intensified since the coup.
Burkina Faso is one of several West African nations that have experienced military takeovers in recent years, alongside countries like Guinea and Gabon.
Since Traoré came to power, the government has promised to restore stability and defeat the Islamist insurgency that has gripped the region for years.But the latest denial highlights the growing tension between the junta and international observers over how the military is conducting its anti-terror campaign.
Ordinary citizens in hard-hit areas continue to bear the brunt of the violence, whether from militants or from the very forces meant to protect them.As the government pushes back against the claims, many in Burkina Faso are left hoping for an end to the cycle of bloodshed that has claimed so many lives and torn communities apart.