Fighting between rival armed groups in Burkina Faso has intensified, raising fresh concerns about security and civilian safety across the Sahel.
The clashes involve Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP).
Both groups are competing for territory and influence near Burkina Faso’s northern border with Mali.
According to Al Jazeera, citing conflict monitors and security analysts, the fighting has escalated since September 2026.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso continues to face a wider security crisis that has displaced millions of people.
Rival armed groups report heavy casualties
The latest clashes have reportedly caused significant losses among fighters from both groups.
In early September, ISSP claimed it killed more than 200 JNIM fighters near Kacham, close to the Mali border.
The group also claimed to have captured more than 30 fighters and seized military equipment.
However, independent observers have not verified those figures.
Another major confrontation occurred on October 9 near Ganadaouri in northern Burkina Faso.
Following that battle, ISSP claimed it had killed more than 400 JNIM fighters.
Yet the reported death toll remains unconfirmed.
Regional news outlet i-Sahel examined photographs released by ISSP and counted at least 120 bodies. However, it could not verify their identities or the circumstances of their deaths.
Armed rivalry spreads across the Sahel
The rivalry between JNIM and ISSP dates back to 2019.
Since then, both organisations have fought for territory and influence across the region.
According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project (ACLED), their rivalry has produced approximately 320 armed confrontations.
The monitoring organisation estimates that more than 2,200 fighters have died in those clashes.
Furthermore, the fighting has spread beyond Burkina Faso and Mali.
ACLED has documented confrontations in Niger’s Tillaberi and Dosso regions, as well as Nigeria’s Kebbi State.
As a result, security concerns now extend across a wider area of West Africa.
Burkina Faso faces growing security pressure
Burkina Faso’s security forces continue to confront armed groups operating across several regions.
According to the International Crisis Group, JNIM maintains extensive influence in parts of northern, western and eastern Burkina Faso.
Meanwhile, ACLED recorded more than 30 JNIM attacks during a February 2026 offensive.
The attacks killed more than 120 soldiers, forest guards and government-backed militia members, according to the monitoring organisation.
However, the rivalry between JNIM and ISSP could also affect their ability to carry out further operations.
Security analysts say the fighting may force JNIM to redirect fighters and resources toward defending its positions.
Nevertheless, they caution that clashes between the groups do not necessarily mean lasting security improvements for civilians.
Millions need humanitarian assistance
The continuing conflict has created serious humanitarian challenges across Burkina Faso.
According to United Nations humanitarian planning figures, approximately 4.5 million people need assistance in 2026.
Many communities face disrupted access to food, farmland, markets and essential services.
The last consolidated official displacement estimate, published in March 2023, recorded approximately 2.1 million internally displaced people.
However, that figure is not a verified count for 2026.
For families living near conflict areas, insecurity continues to affect daily life.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations face difficulties reaching vulnerable communities.
Regional security concerns continue
Security analysts warn that armed group activity could place additional pressure on neighbouring countries.
Viraj Pattni, a senior associate at security consultancy Castor Vali, told Al Jazeera that JNIM has expanded operations in parts of Mali and neighbouring countries.
He highlighted concerns about armed activity spreading toward coastal West Africa.
Meanwhile, ACLED analyst Heni Nsaibia said the rivalry could force JNIM to reconsider how it deploys fighters across the region.
However, the wider consequences remain uncertain.
For Burkina Faso and its neighbours, protecting civilians and restoring access to essential services remain urgent priorities.