What's happened
A Human Rights Watch report reveals that between January 2023 and August 2025, Burkina Faso's government forces and allied militias killed over 1,200 civilians, more than twice the deaths caused by jihadist groups like JNIM. The military targets Fulani communities, resulting in ethnic cleansing and widespread displacement of over 2 million people. Violence and abuses continue amid ongoing jihadist insurgency in the Sahel.
What's behind the headline?
Government Forces' Role in Civilian Deaths
The report exposes a grim reality: Burkina Faso's military and allied militias are responsible for significantly more civilian deaths than jihadist groups. This pattern undermines counterinsurgency efforts by alienating local populations, particularly the Fulani, who are often targeted as collaborators with militants.
Ethnic Targeting and Its Consequences
The military's de facto policy of reprisal attacks against Fulani villages amounts to ethnic cleansing, deepening social fractures and driving recruitment into jihadist ranks. This cycle of violence destabilizes the region further and complicates peace efforts.
Regional Implications
Similar patterns in Mali and Niger suggest a broader Sahel crisis where weak state control and military abuses fuel insurgencies. The spread of jihadist violence into new areas, such as western Niger, indicates expanding conflict zones.
International and Humanitarian Impact
The scale of displacement—over 2 million people—and the failure to hold perpetrators accountable pose severe humanitarian challenges. The military junta's censorship and repression hinder transparency and international response.
Forecast
Without accountability and a shift in military strategy, violence will likely escalate, worsening humanitarian conditions and empowering jihadist groups. International partners face a dilemma in supporting governments implicated in abuses while seeking regional stability.
What the papers say
Human Rights Watch's detailed report, as covered by Al Jazeera and AP News, highlights that "of the 1,837 civilians killed in the country between January 2023 and August 2025, more than 1,200 were the result of government forces," with HRW accusing the military of ethnic cleansing against the Fulani. AP News quotes Ilaria Allegrozzi, HRW's senior Sahel researcher, stating the death toll is "most likely a gross undercount because most instances go unreported."
Reuters and France 24 provide complementary data from ACLED, showing that government forces in Burkina Faso and Mali have caused three to four times more civilian deaths than jihadists over recent years. Reuters notes that "Burkina Faso's security forces and allied militias 'appear to be more brutal and violent' than militant groups like the local al Qaeda affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)."
France 24 emphasizes the need for International Criminal Court investigations, naming senior military leaders and JNIM commanders as potentially liable for war crimes. The report also details specific deadly incidents, such as the December 2023 massacre near Djibo and the August 2024 attack in Barsalogho.
Together, these sources paint a consistent picture of a brutal conflict where state forces contribute heavily to civilian suffering, complicating efforts to stabilize the Sahel region.
How we got here
Since 2021, Burkina Faso has faced escalating violence from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, alongside harsh military responses. The 2022 military coup led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré intensified conflict, with government forces and allied militias accused of widespread abuses against civilians, especially the Fulani ethnic group, fueling displacement and humanitarian crises.
Go deeper
- What are the main causes of civilian deaths in Burkina Faso?
- How are jihadist groups like JNIM involved in the conflict?
- What is the international response to the human rights abuses in the Sahel?
Common question
-
What’s Really Happening with Violence in Burkina Faso?
Recent reports reveal a sharp increase in violence across Burkina Faso, with civilian casualties rising and regional stability at risk. People are asking: What’s causing this surge? Who’s involved? And can anything be done to stop it? Below, we explore the key questions about this escalating crisis and what it means for the region and the world.
-
Why Are Civilian Deaths Increasing in Burkina Faso?
Recent reports reveal a troubling rise in civilian casualties in Burkina Faso, with government forces and militias responsible for mass killings and ethnic targeting. This escalation raises urgent questions about the causes, responsible parties, and the international response. Below, we explore the key issues behind this crisis and what it means for the region.
-
Why are civilians being killed in Burkina Faso?
The ongoing conflict in Burkina Faso has led to a tragic rise in civilian casualties. Human rights reports reveal that government forces and militias are responsible for killing over 1,200 civilians between 2023 and 2025, often targeting ethnic groups like the Fulani. This violence has caused widespread displacement and suffering, raising urgent questions about who is responsible and why this violence continues. Below, we explore the key issues behind these tragic events and what they mean for the region.
-
Why Is Violence Increasing in Burkina Faso?
The escalation of violence in Burkina Faso has raised urgent questions about its causes and consequences. From government military actions to jihadist insurgencies, understanding the complex dynamics behind this crisis is crucial. Below, we explore the key factors fueling the conflict, the role of various groups involved, and the humanitarian impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.
More on these topics
-
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It covers an area of around 274,200 square kilometres and is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north and west; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo to the southeast; Ghana to the south
-
Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization, headquartered in New York City, that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.