Burkina Faso’s military government faces criticism after detaining three journalists, with Human Rights Watch warning of press suppression.
Human Rights Watch urges Burkina Faso to free journalists Read More »
Video footage of a recent civilian massacre in Burkina Faso seemingly implicates government-allied militia, Human Rights Watch stated on Friday. The watchdog urged authorities to promptly investigate and prosecute all individuals responsible for the atrocity. Testimonies collected by Human Rights Watch indicate that security forces and allied militias conducted extensive operations in the Solenzo countryside earlier this week. These operations reportedly targeted displaced Fulani individuals in apparent retaliatory attacks. The government has long accused the Fulani community of supporting al-Qaeda related terrorists in the region. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch, condemned the “gruesome videos.” She emphasized the “pervasive lack of accountability” among pro-government militias in Burkina Faso. Allegrozzi called for immediate action to halt militia attacks on civilians by ensuring accountability for atrocities like the one in Solenzo. The Burkina Faso government has denied these accusations. In a statement, the government denounced the spread of images promoting hate and community violence on social media. They also condemned what they termed “fake information” intended to undermine social cohesion within the nation.
Footage suggests militia’s role in Burkina Faso massacre Read More »
The attack comes amid an ongoing security crisis in the region, with jihadist groups operating in the area.
Niger confirms the death of 10 soldiers in a border ambush Read More »
Mali and Burkina Faso killed 41 suspected terrorists in separate military operations over three days, targeting armed groups in the Sahel region.
Sahel alliance forces eliminate 41 suspected terrorists in attacks Read More »
Military juntas in West Africa, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, are increasing pressure on foreign mining companies, seeking greater control over natural resources and revenue.
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger tighten grip on foreign mining operations Read More »
In December, ECOWAS granted Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger a six-month grace period to reconsider their exit
West Africa bloc announces official exit of three junta-led states Read More »
Despite initial isolation efforts by ECOWAS, West African juntas are gaining influence, with countries like Togo and Ghana reaching out to them, suggesting a shift in regional dynamics.
West African nations explore new alliances amidst turmoil Read More »
A court in Burkina Faso has sentenced two individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in a 2017 attack on a Turkish restaurant in the capital city of Ouagadougou, which resulted in the deaths of 19 people.
Two convicted in deadly 2017 attack in Burkina Faso Read More »
Burkina Faso is taking steps to address its tumultuous history. The country’s transitional parliament has approved a law granting amnesty to soldiers involved in a 2015 coup attempt. In that year, a group of soldiers from the Presidential Security Regiment, loyal to the ousted President Blaise Compaoré, attempted to overthrow the transitional government just weeks before elections were due to take place. The coup ultimately failed after a faction of the military intervened. Several high-ranking officers who orchestrated the plot were sentenced to prison in 2019. To receive amnesty, they must submit a letter requesting clemency to the country’s current military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The coup plotters had sought to restore Compaoré, who had been ousted in 2014 by widespread protests against his attempt to amend the constitution and extend his 27-year rule. Compaoré fled the country after his departure from office. Burkina Faso’s history has been marked by political instability, including multiple military takeovers and short-lived democratic experiments. Roch Marc Kabore, elected president shortly after the 2015 coup attempt, was overthrown by soldiers in 2022. An eight-month-long mutiny led to the rise of a new junta, now led by Traoré. While some view the amnesty as a step toward national reconciliation, others question its motivations and the potential consequences.
Burkina Faso grants Amnesty to 2015 coup plotters Read More »
Four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso for a year have been released following successful mediation efforts by Morocco.
Morocco mediates release of French nationals from Burkina Faso Read More »
