Burkina Faso: Forces Kill More Civilians Than Jihadists

Government forces in Burkina Faso have been responsible for the deaths of more than twice as many civilians as militant jihadist groups over a two-year period, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. The study accuses both sides of the conflict of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Civilian Death Toll and Displacement

Between January 2023 and August 2025, a total of 1,837 civilians were killed in Burkina Faso. According to the report, over 1,200 of these deaths were attributed to government forces. The United Nations estimates that over 2 million people have been displaced since the beginning of the conflict.

Human Rights Watch Findings

Ilaria Allegrozzi, Senior Sahel Researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated to the Associated Press that the reported death toll is “most likely a gross undercount because most instances go unreported.” The 316-page report details alleged atrocities committed by both government forces and militant groups like Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-aligned organization.

Allegations of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity

Human Rights Watch asserts that abuses committed by both government forces and JNIM constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. These include allegations of ethnic cleansing targeting Fulani civilians. The report suggests that senior leaders on all sides may be held liable for these atrocities.

Specific Incidents Detailed in the Report

The report details a specific incident in early 2024 where government forces allegedly executed 223 civilians, including at least 56 children, in the northern Yatenga province, accusing them of collaborating with JNIM. Separately, JNIM is accused of killing at least 133 civilians, including dozens of children, in a central region of the country during the same year.

Government Crackdown and Censorship

Under President Ibrahim Traoré, the Burkina Faso junta has reportedly implemented a “broad crackdown” on political opposition, peaceful dissent, and independent media. This has created an atmosphere of terror and severely restricted the flow of information regarding the conflict and its impact.

The Sahel Region Crisis

Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation of 23 million people, has become a focal point of the security crisis in the Sahel region, south of the Sahara Desert. The country has experienced escalating violence from extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, and the governments attempting to combat them. The Sahel is considered the world’s deadliest region for extremism, according to the Global Terrorism Index.

Control and Humanitarian Needs

Conservative estimates suggest that more than 60% of Burkina Faso is currently outside of government control. Over 2.1 million people have been forced to leave their homes, and nearly 6.5 million require humanitarian aid to survive. Armed Conflict Location & Event Data estimates at least 10,600 civilians have been killed since 2016. The military junta, which seized power in 2022, has yet to deliver on its promise of stability.