UN Secretary-General António Guterres has sharply condemned the terror attack in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, which resulted in around 200 fatalities and left 140 people injured.
The attack, carried out by the militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), represents a significant increase in violence in the region.
Rising Chaos
The influx of armed groups, including JNIM, from neighboring Mali has exacerbated Burkina Faso’s security crisis, leading to two military coups in 2022.
Many of the injured were transported to medical facilities in Kaya. The recent attack occurred while Barsalogho residents were fortifying the town against potential assaults.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric conveyed the Secretary-General’s condolences and solidarity with Burkina Faso’s transition authorities, urging accountability for those responsible for the violence.
Added Burden
UN relief workers have described the aftermath of the recent attack as “extremely distressing.” Local officials noted that Barsalogho was hosting around 90,000 displaced individuals last year, who had fled from insecurity in neighboring areas, placing additional stress on local services and resources.
The entire province is now grappling with severe hunger, and the growing insecurity has complicated aid delivery. Since 2022, access for aid organizations has been largely restricted to helicopter transport.
