Burkinabe Government Calls for Civilian Participation in Fight Against Insurgency

The Burkinabe transitional government Ibrahim Traore, has urged civilians to join the fight against insurgency as the country faces ongoing challenges from Islamic extremists linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

These groups have been active for nearly a decade, stemming from their infiltration from neighboring Mali.

According to a report by Human Rights Watch released on Wednesday, jihadist groups in Burkina Faso have ramped up attacks on civilians, targeting those who refuse to join their ranks or are suspected of collaborating with government forces.

The attacks have escalated, with at least 128 civilian casualties documented in seven attacks between February and June. An al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for six of these deadly assaults.

In response to the growing insurgency, President Traore has called on civilians to bolster the national defense by enlisting thousands of volunteer auxiliaries, known as Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDPs), and mandated them to dig defensive trenches across the country.

However, the intensified attacks from jihadists have raised concerns among citizens and rights groups, highlighting a deteriorating security situation and increasing discontent.

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s Justice Minister dismissed accusations of slow prosecutions related to serious crimes committed since the conflict began, assuring that all human rights violations by insurgents are under investigation.

Observers, including humanitarian workers and analysts, continue to express concerns about the worsening security situation in the country.

 

Report by Paul Kamara

 

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