Three recent jihadist attacks in northern Burkina Faso have resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 civilians, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The attacks, which occurred in May, early August, and July, were attributed to the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Sahel province (IS Sahel).

HRW reported that JNIM attacked the town of Djibo in May and the village of Youba in early August, killing a total of 40 civilians. In July, IS Sahel attacked a civilian convoy carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged town of Gorom Gorom, resulting in the deaths of at least 9 civilians. These assaults are considered to be in violation of international humanitarian law and are apparent war crimes.

Burkina Faso has been under the rule of a military junta for nearly three years, with military leaders vowing to eliminate violence and restore security. However, despite these efforts, deadly attacks continue to plague the country. HRW informed Burkina Faso’s justice and defence ministers of its recent findings on August 21, but received no response.

Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated that Islamist armed groups in Burkina Faso have been responsible for repeated atrocities against civilians since 2016. Allegrozzi emphasized the need for authorities to provide better protection for civilians at risk, investigate abuses, and fairly prosecute those responsible.

In addition to jihadist groups, the military has also been accused of targeting civilians. In March, HRW reported that Burkina Faso government forces had killed at least 100 civilians in the west of the country. The organization has urged the African Union to pressure Burkina Faso to respond appropriately to these repeated abuses.

The ongoing violence in Burkina Faso highlights the need for increased protection for civilians and accountability for those responsible for abuses. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government and international community will respond to these atrocities and work towards restoring security and stability in the region.