In a recent assault by al-Qaida-affiliated militants in central Burkina Faso, over 100 villagers and soldiers were killed. The attack occurred in the Barsalogho commune, about 80 kilometers from the capital. Villagers were helping security forces build defensive trenches when the attackers from the JNIM group struck, opening fire on them.
Al-Qaida later took credit for the assault, claiming control over a strategic militia position in Barsalogho. The violence has been described as one of the deadliest incidents of the year in Burkina Faso. Videos of the scene, which showed numerous bodies, have been reviewed, though their accuracy has not been independently confirmed.
In response, Burkina Faso’s security minister announced that the government deployed both ground and aerial support. The minister condemned the attack and highlighted ongoing efforts to provide medical and humanitarian assistance to those affected.
Nearly half of Burkina Faso is under the control of militants as jihadi attacks increasingly surround the capital. The violence, linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State, has led to thousands of deaths and displaced over 2 million people, highlighting one of the world’s most severe crises.
The ongoing conflict triggered two coups in 2022. Despite the junta’s promises to end the violence and their attempts to establish new security partnerships with Russia and other conflict-ridden Sahel countries, they have struggled to achieve their goals.
Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the junta leader, has been criticized for reportedly forcing critics into military service as punishment and has also mobilized civilians to aid in defense efforts. The Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), a civilian group, is working alongside the military in this effort.
The trenches being dug in Barsalogho are part of a broader initiative to bolster defenses in areas targeted by jihadis. The militants’ success is partly due to inadequate air support and intelligence, along with weak control over the borders with Mali and Niger. Human rights violations by Burkina Faso’s security forces and the VDP have also contributed to the recruitment of more individuals into the jihadi groups.
