Unprecedented violence engulfs Burkina Faso as all factions commit war crimes
Since 2023, Burkina Faso‘s military, alongside allied militias and an Al-Qaeda-linked armed group, has been responsible for the deaths of over 1,800 civilians and the forced displacement of tens of thousands. These actions, documented in a recent Human Rights Watch report, constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, with leaders across all factions potentially facing accountability under international law.
Key findings from the crisis in Burkina Faso
- The Burkinabè military, together with allied militias like the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM/JNIM), have been implicated in systematic violence against civilians.
- The junta has failed to investigate or prosecute abuses, instead suppressing information to conceal the scale of suffering.
- Regional bodies and international partners are urged to pressure authorities to address violations and ensure accountability across all parties.
Documenting the devastation: a 341-page report
The report, titled “No One Will Escape”: War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in Burkina Faso, highlights the catastrophic impact of the conflict on civilians. Researchers documented 57 incidents involving the military, VDP militias, and GSIM between January 2023 and August 2025—following the military junta’s rise to power in September 2022. Evidence includes interviews with over 450 individuals, satellite imagery, and audiovisual materials.
Ethnic targeting and mass killings
Under President Ibrahim Traoré, the junta has intensified repression against political opposition, dissent, and independent media, creating an environment of fear. Meanwhile, GSIM and other Islamist groups have waged an insurgency since 2016, escalating violence against civilians. Both sides have targeted communities accused of supporting the opposing faction, leading to ethnic cleansing and mass displacements.
In one of the deadliest incidents, the military and allied militias killed over 400 civilians in December 2023 near Djibo during Operation Tchéfari 2 (