More than 1,800 civilians have been killed in Burkina Faso since January 2023, caught in the crossfire between the country’s military, its volunteer auxiliaries, and jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The findings, released Thursday, accuse all sides of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity as the West African nation struggles with a deepening security crisis.
The escalating violence underscores the challenges facing Burkina Faso’s transitional government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a September 2022 coup. Despite efforts to quell the insurgency, attacks have continued to surge, displacing hundreds of thousands and creating a humanitarian emergency. The HRW report details a pattern of deliberate attacks on civilians, often in retaliation for perceived support of opposing forces.
The report, based on verification and analysis of open-source information – including photos, videos, and satellite imagery – alongside interviews with over 450 people across Burkina Faso, Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Mali, paints a grim picture of widespread atrocities. HRW documented at least 57 incidents between January 2023 and August 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,837 civilians, including a significant number of children.
The Burkinabe army and the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), a civilian auxiliary force created to assist the military, are implicated in the deaths of at least 1,255 civilians in 33 incidents. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, is accused of killing at least 582 people in 24 attacks during the same period. The VDP, while intended to bolster security, has faced accusations of extrajudicial killings and abuses against communities suspected of collaborating with jihadists.
Deadly Attacks North of Djibo
One of the most harrowing incidents detailed in the HRW report occurred in December 2023, when Burkinabe military and VDP forces allegedly killed hundreds of civilians in at least 16 villages and hamlets north of the town of Djibo. Survivors described the events as a “butchery,” reporting widespread killings and leaving many with deep psychological trauma. The report alleges that the attacks were carried out in response to suspected support for armed groups in the area.
JNIM has similarly been accused of deliberately targeting civilians, particularly those who refuse to comply with their strict interpretation of Islamic law or are accused of supporting the government. In August 2024, in Barsalogho, a town considered a stronghold of the VDP, JNIM fighters reportedly shot dead at least 133 people and injured over 200 in a matter of hours, according to the report.
Calls for International Investigation
HRW is urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open a preliminary examination into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all parties involved in the conflict in Burkina Faso since September 2022. The organization also calls on Burkina Faso’s international partners and donors to consider imposing sanctions and suspending cooperation with the Burkinabe army until safeguards are place in place to protect civilians.
The report specifically names several individuals who should be investigated for potential criminal responsibility, including transitional President and army commander Ibrahim Traoré, as well as other high-ranking military officials and leaders within JNIM, such as supreme leader Iyad Ag Ghaly and country leader Jafar Dicko. HRW argues that Traoré, as commander, could be held accountable for abuses committed by forces under his command.
The security situation in Burkina Faso has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with a surge in attacks by jihadist groups that have spread from neighboring Mali. The conflict has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, including poverty, ethnic tensions, and weak governance, creating a complex humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, over 2 million people have been internally displaced due to the violence. UNHCR reports ongoing needs for shelter, food, and medical assistance.
The HRW report adds to growing international concern over the escalating violence in Burkina Faso and the need for accountability for the widespread abuses. The findings highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to protect civilians and address the root causes of the conflict.
The ICC has not yet publicly responded to HRW’s call for a preliminary examination. The next key development will likely be a statement from the ICC prosecutor regarding whether to initiate an investigation, a decision expected in the coming months. The situation in Burkina Faso remains highly volatile, and continued monitoring by international organizations will be crucial to documenting abuses and advocating for the protection of civilians.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the conflict in Burkina Faso, resources are available. You can discover information and support from organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Refugee Agency.
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