Burkina Faso has strongly rejected a report alleging that more than 1,800 civilians have been killed in acts described as “crimes against humanity” since Ibrahim Traoré took power three years ago.
The government dismissed the findings by Human Rights Watch (HRW) as “false,” describing them as conjecture and unfounded claims intended to “demonise” the country’s armed forces. Officials insisted that their troops have always acted with professionalism.
According to HRW, about 1,837 civilians were killed in 57 incidents between January 2023 and August 2025, including dozens of children. The group attributed 1,255 of those deaths to the military and allied militias, while blaming the rest on Islamist militant groups.
The report further suggested that President Traoré and six senior military commanders could be held responsible under command responsibility and should be investigated. It also indicated that five jihadist leaders may be culpable.
The violence is linked to a long-running insurgency involving extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda, which have operated in Burkina Faso and neighbouring countries for over a decade, controlling large parts of territory.
HRW said its findings were based on open-source evidence, including photos, videos, satellite imagery, and witness accounts. It concluded that all sides in the conflict had committed serious violations, including killings, attacks on civilians, looting, and forced displacement.
One of the deadliest incidents cited occurred in December 2023 in the northern town of Djibo, where more than 400 civilians were allegedly killed by military forces and allied militias.
The government has consistently denied accusations of targeting civilians, even as it intensifies efforts to combat jihadist groups such as JNIM.
Despite international concern, authorities in Burkina Faso maintain that their primary objective remains restoring security and national stability amid the ongoing insurgency. -BBC
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