ABIDJAN: The UN Human Rights Office reported on Tuesday that at least 40 civilians were killed in a militant attack over the weekend in the northern Burkina Faso town of Djibo. The assault, carried out by groups affiliated with the Islamic State, underscores the ongoing violence plaguing Burkina Faso since 2015, with the country trapped in a spiral of militant attacks akin to those witnessed in neighbouring Mali and Niger.
According to the UN agency, a significant number of fighters targeted a military base, homes, and Internally Displaced People’s camps in Djibo, located in the Sahel region. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least 40 civilian lives, while more than 42 people sustained injuries.
The UN Human Rights Office strongly condemned the attacks on civilians, deeming them “inexcusable and must stop.” The agency called for the apprehension and fair, independent trial of those responsible for the attacks, stating that deliberate targeting of civilians constitutes a “war crime.”
Militant Attacks in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso security forces confirmed to AFP news agency that militants launched a massive attack on an army post in Djibo on Sunday. The army reportedly responded by killing dozens of attackers. While the security forces acknowledged the loss of soldiers, they did not initially mention civilian casualties.
Djibo, situated near the border region that spans Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, has been under siege by militant groups operating in the area for several months. The town has faced repeated attacks, and convoys attempting to resupply Djibo have also been targeted by militants.
