Summary
Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Burkina Faso's military and allied militias committed serious abuses against civilians, including the ethnic cleansing of Fulani people. These actions are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity. HRW's investigation covered incidents from January 2023 to August 2025, resulting in over 1,200 deaths caused by government forces.
Key Facts
- Human Rights Watch reported atrocities committed by Burkina Faso's military from January 2023 to August 2025.
- HRW conducted interviews with over 450 people across several countries.
- The report verified 57 incidents of abuse involving Burkina Faso’s military and allied militias.
- Over 1,200 of the 1,837 civilian deaths were attributed to Burkina Faso government forces.
- More than two million people have been displaced due to the conflict, according to the United Nations.
- President Ibrahim Traore and senior military officials may face investigation for these abuses.
- A major incident involved the killing of over 400 civilians near Djibo in December 2023.
- Conflict parties include government forces, allied militias, and the al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM.
