Generation-F is an independent, non-partisan initiative. Any opinion expressed in articles is a representation of the author and not the initiative itself.
Burkina Faso: Enduring an Ongoing Stream of Abuse
January 12, 2025
Angela Dagher
A legacy of military coups threaten the stability of the Burkina Faso government. Terrorist insurgencies, specifically JNIM, exploit the fragile status quo, indulging in war crimes and human rights violations. Regional action must be taken to avoid the spread of al-Qaeda's ideology in the African Sahel.
A History of Coups: Roots of Instability
The first coup in Burkina Faso occurred in 1966 when Sangoulé Lamizana seized power from Maurice Yaméogo’s administration, which had been plagued by allegations of corruption and unpopular austerity measures (United Nations, 2024). Lamizana’s tenure was marked by attempts to balance civilian and military governance but ultimately failed to address underlying economic and political challenges.
In 1980, Saye Zerbo led another coup, but his repressive policies fueled widespread unrest (Ouédraogo, 2015). By 1982, Zerbo was overthrown by Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo, whose government attempted a more conciliatory approach. This period of compromise was short-lived, as Thomas Sankara seized power with the 1983 coup. The coup remains an essential highlight of Burkinabe history. Sankara’s leadership is often celebrated for his anti-corruption policies, feminist initiatives, and Marxist-Leninist doctrines. His revolutionary methods and strong stance against international financial institutions and capitalist rule alienated many within his ranks. In 1987, he was assassinated in a coup led by his former ally, Blaise Compaoré, who ushered in a 27-year period of authoritarian rule marked by economic liberalization and growing inequality (Beevor, 2022).
Ibrahim Traoré
Burkinabé Military Leader
In 2014, Compaoré was ousted by a popular uprising, but the transitional government that followed failed to maintain stability. The country saw a resurgence of military intervention in 2015, when the Regiment of Presidential Security briefly attempted to overthrow the government. Although unsuccessful, this marked a significant warning of the fragility of governance structures. The instability culminated in the 2022 coup led by Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who promised to restore security but failed to deliver tangible results. His short tenure ended in September 2022 when Ibrahim Traoré ousted him, claiming that drastic measures were needed to address the ongoing terrorist threat.
Understanding this tumultuous history of coups highlights the structural weaknesses that have persisted for decades, leaving Burkina Faso vulnerable to internal and external threats.
Abuses by Islamist Armed Groups
7,600 Deaths and 2,000,000 Displaced
Burkina Faso has become the epicentre of illegal armed forces, with JNIM and ISGS among the most notorious. Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is an al-Qaeda-affiliated coalition known for its acts of terrorism, including massacres and humanitarian aid blocks. JNIM is reportedly funded by ransom payments, extortion, and illicit smuggling networks, with the goal of establishing an Islamist state in the Sahel region (Beevor, 2022). ISGS, a rival group linked to the Islamic State, engages in equally violent activities, including mass killings and abductions. In 2023 alone, these groups were responsible for approximately 7,600 deaths and the displacement of over 2 million people (Human Rights Watch, 2024). From December 2022 to February 2023, Islamist groups carried out massacres across Burkina Faso. On January 26, 2023, gunmen attacked the village of Doh near Dassa, killing 12 men and injuring others. Another attack in February resulted in two additional deaths. These incidents underscore the systemic failure to protect civilians and the growing influence of armed groups operating with relative impunity. Women and children continue to be disproportionately affected, as armed groups often engage in forced marriages, human trafficking, and child recruitment. In January 2023, insurgents abducted 60 civilians, including 39 children, from Arbinda, a crime that prompted widespread international condemnation (U.S. Department of State, 2023; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2024).
Watch: August 2024 Terrorist Attack by al-Qaeda Affiliates. 200 Dead.
Humanitarian Concern and Regional Impact
The humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso has reached alarming levels, with over 2 million displaced people, soaring inflation, and compounded suffering. The United Nations (2024) reports that nearly one-quarter of the country’s schools have been shut down, depriving over 1 million children of their right to education. In Djibo, where militants have imposed blockades, civilians face acute shortages of food and water. Families often resort to scavenging, risking abduction or death at the hands of militants.
Economic instability has further worsened the situation. Inflation has skyrocketed, making basic goods unaffordable for many. Farmers have abandoned their fields due to violence, causing a sharp decline in food production and increasing the vulnerability of the population (FAO, 2025). Women are disproportionately affected, facing limited access to healthcare and economic opportunities (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2024).
Submit your article or become a registered writer
A significant increase in violence can be linked to the lack of effective governance following coups. A fragile government still building itself can lack the necessary efforts to prevent terrorist insurgencies. However, directly associating the 2022 coup with the rise of terrorism overlooks key distinctions. Many Burkinabè support Traoré’s government, viewing it as a stand against neo-colonialism and Western interference. Public demonstrations often target the United States and international organizations rather than the government, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with foreign policies (PressTV, 2024). By separating the rise of terrorism from the political motivations of the coup, it becomes evident that the issue stems from deeper structural weaknesses and decades of instability.
Accountability
State security forces in Burkina Faso, tasked with combating terrorism, have been implicated in serious human rights abuses.
Abusive actions have deepened the mistrust between civilians and the military, further destabilizing the country (Human Rights Watch, 2024). These violations of international law, including arbitrary killings and the targeting of vulnerable populations, have sparked international condemnation. Human Rights Watch urged Burkinabe authorities to take immediate action against these abuses and hold perpetrators accountable (Nantulya, 2023). The lack of accountability risks further alienating the civilian population and undermining the legitimacy of state forces amid ongoing security challenges.
The international response has been mixed; while the UNHCR and various NGOs have provided essential humanitarian assistance, a more coordinated and robust regional effort is necessary. Neighbouring countries and the African Union are yet to implement comprehensive solutions addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. The international community must prioritize not only immediate aid but also support for transitional justice mechanisms to ensure accountability.
For Burkina Faso to move forward, it must address immediate security concerns while rebuilding political and economic systems that foster stability and inclusivity. This includes promoting genuine dialogue between civil society and state authorities, enhancing human rights education within security forces, and establishing independent oversight mechanisms to monitor compliance with international standards. The path to survival hinges on justice and accountability, reinforced by international solidarity that supports governance reform and community-driven initiatives for reconciliation.
References
Beevor, E. (2022). JNIM in Burkina Faso: A Strategic Criminal Actor [Research Report]. Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. https://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Burkina-Faso-JNIM-29-Aug-web.pdf
FAO. (2025). Burkina Faso | Emergency and Resilience. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org/emergencies/where-we-work/BFA/en
Human Rights Watch. (2024). Burkina Faso: Events of 2023 (World Report 2024). https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/burkina-faso
Nantulya, C. (2023, March 17). Burkina Faso Acts to Tackle Armed Forces Abuses: New Law Boosts Role of Provost Marshals in Military Operations. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/17/burkina-faso-acts-tackle-armed-forces-abuses
Ouédraogo, B. (2015). The army and the exercise of power in burkina faso: Lessons from the popular uprising on october 30th and 31st, 2014. Barcelona Center for International Affairs. https://www.cidob.org/en/publications/army-and-exercise-power-burkina-faso-lessons-popular-uprising-october-30th-and-31st
Presstv. (2024, May 4). People protest outside US embassy in Burkina Faso over interference [Image]. PressTV. https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/05/04/724914/hundreds-in-burkina-protest-at-us-response-to-human-rights-watch-massacre-report
United Nations. (2024, May 31). UN human rights chief sounds alarm over rising violence in Burkina Faso | UN News. The United Nations. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1150516
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees . (2024). Burkina Faso. UNHCR.https://reporting.unhcr.org/operational/operations/burkina-faso
U.S. Department of State. (2023). Country Reports on Terrorism 2023: Burkina Faso (Country Reports on Terrorism 2023). U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2023/burkina-faso/
