A ch!lling report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), cited by the BBC, has accused Burkina Faso’s military and allied militias of killing at least 130 civilians in March near the town of Solenzo.
The victims were allegedly Fulani civilians, targeted in what HRW describes as reprisal killings—actions that could amount to war crimes.
Burkina Faso is allegedly battling a deadly jihadist insurgency, with militant groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS said to control about 40% of the country.
The violence has displaced thousands and deepened instability across the Sahel region.
HRW also reported that Islamist fighters retaliated by killing over 100 more civilians in attacks targeting those suspected of supporting the military.
These cycles of violence have sparked serious concern from global rights bodies.
The military junta, which seized power in 2022 and has since aligned itself with Russia, is under growing international pressure.
The government previously dismissed similar allegations as “baseless” and claimed that all counterterror operations are conducted within the law.
The UN and international watchdogs have also expressed alarm over restrictions on press freedom and civic space—highlighted by the suspension of French media outlets and expulsion of foreign journalists.
The call now is for full, transparent investigations and accountability for all abuses—whether committed by state forces or insurgents.
