Burkina Faso marks three years since Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s coup d’état, which was justified by the need to address the country’s struggling campaign against jihadist violence. At the time, Traoré promised to restore security within months, citing the previous leaders’ failure to protect the nation.
Since then, the Burkinabé army has received increased support, with a notable boost in weaponry and the addition of thousands of volunteers to its ranks. Despite these efforts, the security situation on the ground remains largely unchanged. Terrorist groups continue to control significant portions of the country, with violence persisting unabated. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) indicates that Burkina Faso experienced a similar number of attacks in 2023 and 2024 as in the preceding years, but with a troubling doubling of victim numbers. The past two years have seen nearly 16,000 fatalities resulting from such attacks.
Concurrently, there has been a notable erosion of freedoms in the country. Human rights organizations have documented a rise in arbitrary detentions, alongside a crackdown on political, union, and press freedoms. This development has contributed to Burkina Faso’s current status as the country most affected by terrorism globally, a sobering reality that underscores the challenges faced by the government in fulfilling its security promises.
Captain Traoré’s popularity, however, has risen significantly since he assumed power, driven in part by his implementation of radical reforms that resonate with many citizens of Burkina Faso. The trajectory of his governance and the evolving security landscape will likely remain critical points of focus in the coming months. As the country navigates its complex political and security challenges, the international community will be watching closely for signs of progress or further destabilization. The situation in Burkina Faso serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in combating terrorism and restoring peace in regions plagued by violence.
