UN Raises Alarm Over Deadly Attacks in Northern Burkina Faso
GENEVA — In a disturbing development, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, expressed deep concern on Friday about the escalating violence in northern Burkina Faso. Reports indicate that several hundred civilians, including innocent children, have fallen victim to the deadly clashes between security forces and armed groups.
According to media sources, a harrowing toll of over 220 civilians, among them 56 children, lost their lives in brutal attacks allegedly carried out by the military in two villages on a single day in late February.
Adding to the distressing situation, international media outlets such as the BBC and Voice of America have faced temporary suspensions in recent days for their coverage of the tragic events.
OHCHR spokesperson Marta Hurtado issued a strong plea for an immediate cessation of restrictions on media freedom and civic rights.
“The right to freedom of expression and access to information is a fundamental pillar of any society, especially during this critical transitional period in Burkina Faso,” Hurtado emphasized in a statement.
Burkina Faso has been grappling with military rule since the beginning of 2022, as extremist insurgents have plunged the country into a cycle of coups and counter-coups.
Transitional President Capt. Ibrahim Traoré assumed office in September 2022, with the transitional government locked in a fierce battle against insurgents and facing reported counter-coup attempts.
While OHCHR has been unable to independently verify the reported massacre due to restricted access, Hurtado stressed the urgent need for thorough investigations into the grave violations and abuses allegedly committed by various actors.
“Accountability for the perpetrators is essential, and the rights of victims to truth, justice, and reparations must be safeguarded. Combatting impunity and ensuring accountability are vital to uphold the rule of law and social unity,” she underscored.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, made a visit to Burkina Faso in late March, shedding light on the complex challenges faced by the Burkinabè people since the overthrow of the democratically-elected government in January 2022.
With a staggering 6.3 million individuals out of a population of 20 million requiring humanitarian aid, OHCHR documented 1,335 violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian laws involving at least 3,800 civilian victims in 2023.
“Armed groups were found to be responsible for the vast majority of violations against civilians, affecting over 86% of the victims,” Türk emphasized, stressing the critical need to prioritize the protection of civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. “Such senseless violence must come to an end,” he added.
As the situation in Burkina Faso remains precarious, the call for justice, accountability, and protection of human rights grows increasingly urgent. — UN News
