More than 1,800 civilians have been killed in Burkina Faso since Ibrahim Traoré seized power three years ago in acts amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, a new report says.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) notes that about 1,837 civilians, including many children, were killed in 57 incidents between January 2023 and August 2025. The report attributes over two-thirds of these killings—1,255—to military and allied militias, while the remainder were linked to Islamist militants.
HRW highlights that President Traoré and six senior military commanders may be liable as a matter of command responsibility for grave abuses and should be investigated. Additionally, the report indicates five jihadist leaders may also share culpability.
Burkina Faso's authorities have not yet responded to the report, having previously dismissed accusations of civilian casualties caused by their forces. The military initially justified its coup citing the need to confront jihadist insurgents, linked to al-Qaeda, who have destabilized the region for over a decade.
The HRW findings are based on comprehensive analysis, including witness interviews and satellite imagery, emphasizing a systematic pattern of violence directed at civilians. Philippe Bolopion, HRW's executive director, underscored the shocking scale of the atrocities and the global community's lack of attention to the crisis impacting Burkina Faso.
The report provides accounts of horrific incidents, including a particularly deadly assault in December 2023, which claimed over 400 civilian lives in Djibo. Victims recounted traumatic experiences and described the brutal nature of the violence, which was perpetrated by state-aligned militias, the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP).
Amidst internal strife and ongoing jihadist threats, the populace feels caught in a precarious situation, facing attacks from both extremist groups like the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and military retaliations.
HRW is urging the International Criminal Court to initiate a preliminary investigation into these events and recommends international sanctions against Burkina Faso, pushing for greater accountability and humanity in the face of escalating violence.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) notes that about 1,837 civilians, including many children, were killed in 57 incidents between January 2023 and August 2025. The report attributes over two-thirds of these killings—1,255—to military and allied militias, while the remainder were linked to Islamist militants.
HRW highlights that President Traoré and six senior military commanders may be liable as a matter of command responsibility for grave abuses and should be investigated. Additionally, the report indicates five jihadist leaders may also share culpability.
Burkina Faso's authorities have not yet responded to the report, having previously dismissed accusations of civilian casualties caused by their forces. The military initially justified its coup citing the need to confront jihadist insurgents, linked to al-Qaeda, who have destabilized the region for over a decade.
The HRW findings are based on comprehensive analysis, including witness interviews and satellite imagery, emphasizing a systematic pattern of violence directed at civilians. Philippe Bolopion, HRW's executive director, underscored the shocking scale of the atrocities and the global community's lack of attention to the crisis impacting Burkina Faso.
The report provides accounts of horrific incidents, including a particularly deadly assault in December 2023, which claimed over 400 civilian lives in Djibo. Victims recounted traumatic experiences and described the brutal nature of the violence, which was perpetrated by state-aligned militias, the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP).
Amidst internal strife and ongoing jihadist threats, the populace feels caught in a precarious situation, facing attacks from both extremist groups like the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and military retaliations.
HRW is urging the International Criminal Court to initiate a preliminary investigation into these events and recommends international sanctions against Burkina Faso, pushing for greater accountability and humanity in the face of escalating violence.
