Burkina Faso has been plagued by armed conflict for years, with attacks occurring regularly and causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
The most recent incident has left about 60 civilians dead in the village of Karma, near the Mali border. The local prosecutor has launched an investigation into the attack.
The perpetrators of the attack were reportedly wearing uniforms of the Burkinabe armed forces, but no further details have been provided. Survivors of the attack said that more than 100 people on motorbikes and pick-up trucks raided the village, killing dozens of men and young people.
This is not the first attack in the area, as only a week prior, an “unidentified” group killed 34 defense volunteers and six soldiers near Aorema village.
In response to the escalating conflict, Burkina Faso’s military rulers declared a “general mobilization” to combat the armed uprising, allowing the state “all necessary means” to regain territory lost to armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
The conflict in Burkina Faso began in 2012 when hardline groups hijacked a Tuareg separatist uprising in Mali. Since then, the situation has spiraled out of control, with armed groups controlling around 40 percent of the country.
More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict, and approximately two million have been forced from their homes.
The mounting toll has led to two coups in 2022, the most recent of which saw Captain Ibrahim Traore emerge as president.
Traore has committed to a plan by the preceding military administration to hold elections for a civilian government by 2024. However, the conflict continues to rage, with the latest attack being a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
The international community has condemned the attack, with the United Nations expressing concern and calling for an end to the violence.
France, which has a military presence in the region, has also condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to supporting Burkina Faso in its fight against terrorism.
The situation in Burkina Faso is complex, with multiple factors contributing to the conflict. In addition to jihadist groups, inter-communal tensions, poverty, and governance issues are also significant drivers.
Addressing these underlying issues will be crucial in bringing an end to the violence and building a stable and peaceful future for the country.