Human Rights Watch links Burkina Faso’s pro-junta militias to a massacre, with videos showing numerous dead civilians. The government denies these claims, labeling them misinformation while alleging that military operations faced conflicts with jihadists. Criticism of the junta’s human rights record continues as violence and civil unrest deepen in the region.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has linked pro-junta militias in Burkina Faso to a recent massacre that resulted in numerous deaths in the western region of the country. Videos circulating on social media allegedly show armed individuals in militia uniforms executing over 58 victims, including women and children. HRW raised concerns that the actual death toll could exceed the numbers shown in the footage due to bodies being piled together.
The government, represented by spokesperson Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo, contended that the videos were part of a misinformation campaign aimed at disrupting social unity. He insisted that the military and its allied militias had been engaged in combat with militants when they encountered civilians allegedly used as human shields.
HRW emphasized that the victims appeared to belong to the Fulani ethnic group, who are often accused by authorities of siding with jihadist factions associated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Senior Sahel researcher Ilaria Allegrozzi remarked on the incident, highlighting the accountability issues concerning pro-government groups in Burkina Faso as they continue to perpetrate grievous acts against its people.
The violence reportedly occurred during March 10-11 near Solenzo, as HRW identified militia members wearing uniforms from the Homeland Defence Volunteers (VDP). As Burkina Faso’s security crisis persists, the country has been grappling with an insurgency amidst rising violence. Critics have accused the ruling junta, which came to power via a coup in 2022, of making excessive sacrifices on human rights under the guise of national defense.
The ongoing violence in Burkina Faso, particularly involving pro-junta militias, raises significant concerns regarding human rights abuses and accountability. The latest accusations by HRW of a massacre linked to these militias highlight the challenges facing the country as it combats a worsening security crisis. Furthermore, the junta’s classification of civilian casualties raises concerns about the impact of military operations on vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
