Jihadists Ramp Up Deadly Attacks on Civilians in Burkina Faso, HRW Report Reveals

Islamist insurgents in Burkina Faso have intensified their brutal assaults on civilians, according to a recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report. The report exposes the horrific tactics used by jihadists, including door-to-door killings, throat slitting, and targeting Christian worshippers. In just the first eight months of 2024, over 6,000 deaths have been recorded, with around 1,000 civilians murdered by Islamist insurgents. Burkina Faso has been struggling against jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) since 2016. Despite promises from Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a coup two years ago, to swiftly improve security, the violence has worsened. HRW’s detailed report highlights shocking atrocities carried out by jihadists, particularly in retaliation against those communities that refuse to support them or are suspected of collaborating with government forces. One of the deadliest attacks occurred in February when militants stormed a church in Essakane, leaving 12 worshippers dead. Survivors recounted the bloody aftermath of the attack, with bloodstains and bullet marks scattered across the church. The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) claimed responsibility for the massacre.

Another harrowing incident in the village of Sindo, in the Hauts-Bassins region, was described by a farmer who witnessed fighters from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, indiscriminately open fire on villagers. "Some were shot, others had their throats slit," another resident added, reflecting the indiscriminate brutality of these assaults. In June, jihadists overran Mansila, after killing dozens of soldiers at a nearby army base. The militants went from house to house, executing men accused of collaborating with the army. HRW’s report also points out that both the Burkinabè military and civilian militias allied to the government have been implicated in violent retaliations, with one incident in February leaving 223 civilians dead at the hands of the military. Despite attempts to regain control, Burkina Faso’s government has been unable to wrest large areas from jihadist control. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) records over 6,000 deaths this year alone, with the August 24 massacre in Barsalogho claiming between 100 to 400 more civilian lives—another attack claimed by JNIM.

Security experts argue that Burkina Faso’s strategy is woefully inadequate. International defence analyst David Otto suggests that the nation still lacks a cohesive plan to protect its people or safeguard its territorial integrity. Ryan Cummings, co-author of a book on the Islamic State in Africa, echoed similar concerns, noting that Burkina Faso’s military suffers from poor equipment, often having less ammunition than the insurgents they face. In response, Burkina Faso has turned to Russia for military support, breaking with its historic ally, France. Alongside fellow pro-Russian governments in Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso is attempting to combat the growing jihadist threat. However, as Mr. Otto explains, these juntas have struggled to consolidate power, leaving them vulnerable to continued insurgent attacks. The insurgents' reach extends across West Africa. JNIM recently claimed responsibility for an audacious assault on Mali’s capital, Bamako, targeting a military training school and the country’s main airport. The army confirmed casualties but withheld details of the losses.