According to HRW‘s report published in April 2024, Burkina Faso’s military stands accused of executing 223 civilians, including 56 children, in two villages in February. These villages, Nondin and Soro were reportedly targeted due to suspicions of collaboration with armed groups operating in the region.
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Burkina Faso’s authorities suspended the BBC and Voice of America (VOA) radio networks for two weeks. The suspension was accompanied by orders to internet service providers to block access to the websites and digital platforms of the BBC, VOA, and HRW within Burkina Faso.
The Superior Council for Communication (CSC) of Burkina Faso criticized the HRW report, labeling it as containing “peremptory and tendentious” declarations likely to incite public disorder.
The council accused the report of lacking proof against the Burkinabe army and warned against dissemination of the allegations.
The suspension of BBC and VOA broadcasts responses from the affected networks. VOA affirmed its commitment to covering events in Burkina Faso objectively and despite the suspension. The BBC did not respond to requests for comment.
The country has experienced political instability, including two military coups in 2022, leading to the establishment of a military government under Captain Ibrahim Traore.
This political crisis has coincided with violence between the army and armed groups linked to terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Burkina Faso is situated in the Sahel region, which has been struggling with Islamist insurgencies since 2012.
The spread of violence from neighboring Mali has resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions across the Sahel nations.
In response to perceived inadequacies in security cooperation with former colonial power France, Burkina Faso has pivoted towards seeking security support from Russia.
The investigation uncovered shocking details of military-led massacres, with at least 223 civilians, including 56 children, executed in February.
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These atrocities occurred in two villages, Nondin and Soro, as part of a purported campaign against individuals suspected of collaborating with militant groups.
The BBC and Voice of America (VOA) radio networks have been suspended from broadcasting for two weeks.
Internet service providers have been ordered to block access to the websites and digital platforms of these media outlets, as well as HRW.
Superior Council for Communication (CSC) has denounced the HRW report, labeling it as “peremptory and tendentious.”
The council accuses HRW of making biased and inflammatory allegations against the Burkinabe army inciting public disorder.
The government spokesperson Tonssira Myrian Corine Sanou has warned other media networks against reporting on the issue.
HRW conducted a thorough investigation gathering witnesses and analyzing visual evidence, including videos and photographs.
The organization’s findings show a systematic violence targeting civilians allegedly perpetrated by the military.
The current military government led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, seized power in September 2022 following the ousting of President Roch Marc Kabore.
Civilian casualties have escalated amid clashes between the army and militant groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS.
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