Human Rights Watch Report Highlights War Crimes in Burkina Faso
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report stating that more than 1,800 civilians have been killed since 2023 in Burkina Faso by the army, civilian auxiliaries, and jihadist groups. These acts are described as “war crimes and crimes against humanity.” The report highlights the escalating violence and lack of accountability in the region.
Background on the Conflict
Burkina Faso’s ruling junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, took power in a September 2022 coup. Since then, the country has struggled to contain the violence caused by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These groups have been responsible for thousands of deaths over the past decade.
The Burkinabe army relies on the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), a group of civilian volunteers who assist in the fight against jihadists. However, HRW’s report indicates that both the army and VDP have committed atrocities against civilians.
Escalation of Violence
According to the report, between January 2023 and August 2025, at least 1,837 civilians were killed in 11 regions of Burkina Faso. This includes dozens of children. The report also calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open a preliminary examination into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all parties to the conflict since September 2022.
The report emphasizes that government forces and VDP militias are committing ethnic cleansing against the Fulani population. Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, senior advisor for the Crisis and Conflict Division at HRW, stated that victims are too terrified to file complaints or seek justice. He noted that families of victims who filed complaints faced threats, and even magistrates investigating cases suffered reprisals.
Testimonies from Survivors
In March 2025, a survivor testified about the killing of at least 58 civilians near Solenzo in western Burkina Faso. The survivor described how the army and VDP opened fire on everyone, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people, including men, women, and children. The survivor lost seven family members, including his older brother, 80-year-old father, mother, and two cousins. He now lives with 10 widows and their children.
Binta Sidibé-Gascon, president of the Kisal Observatory, praised HRW’s work, calling the report essential documentation for families, victims, and survivors. She emphasized that while human rights violations have been recurring, they have intensified with the arrival of military regimes.
Specific Incidents and Criminal Liability
HRW reported that in December 2023, Burkinabe military and VDPs killed hundreds of civilians in at least 16 villages and hamlets north of Djibo over several days. JNIM, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, has also targeted civilians who refused to submit to its authority or were accused of supporting government forces.
In August 2024, JNIM fighters in the VDP-stronghold town of Barsalogho shot dead at least 133 people and injured more than 200 in fewer than two hours. HRW called for Captain Traoré to be impartially investigated for criminal liability for all abuses by the Burkinabe military and VDPs documented in the report.
Six other leaders, including Burkina Faso’s ambassador to Washington and former defense minister Kassoum Coulibaly, current Defense Minister Celestin Simpore, and army major general Moussa Diallo, should also be investigated for their roles. HRW also called for the investigation of JNIM’s leadership, including supreme leader Iyad Ag Ghaly and second-in-command Amadou Kouffa, as well as Burkina’s JNIM country leader Jafar Dicko and his brother Ousmane Dicko.
Calls for Action
HRW urged Burkina Faso’s partners and donors to impose sanctions and refrain from cooperating with the country’s army. The report underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of the ongoing conflict in Burkina Faso.
