Attacks on Burkina Faso army base and villages kill dozens

Coordinated attacks on a military base and multiple villages over the weekend in Burkina Faso have resulted in the deaths of dozens of military men and civilians.

Burkina Faso, a country once known for its rich culture and resilient people, has now become synonymous with insurgency and bloodshed.

The latest wave of violence struck Djibo, a town that has been under siege by jihadist groups for years. On Sunday morning, an attack targeted the military base, a police station, and a market, resulting in the deaths of soldiers, pro-government militia fighters, and civilians.

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Meanwhile, in the southern province of Koulpelogo, three villages, Bousgou, Salemboare, and Yonde, were targeted over several days, resulting in at least 58 civilian deaths. No group has claimed responsibility, but the area is known to host fighters affiliated with Al-Qaeda’s regional branch.

Burkina Faso’s military government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has been making bold claims about reclaiming territory and defeating insurgents. The junta seized power in 2022, promising to turn the tide against jihadist violence that has spread across the region since it first took root in Mali 13 years ago.

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However, this latest attack is an indication that more work needs to be done. Also, there are accusations against the military itself. Human Rights Watch recently reported that Burkina Faso’s army participated in the massacre of over 130 ethnic Fulani civilians in March.

However, the government dismissed these claims as “disinformation.”
Burkina Faso is at a crossroads—one path leads to deeper chaos, the other to a desperate attempt at stability. And yet, the world watches in silence. Because, after all, it’s just another day in the Sahel.