Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a damning report accusing the Burkina Faso army of causing the death of at least 60 civilians in drone strikes.
The strikes, conducted since August, targeted areas allegedly controlled by armed groups associated with al-Qaeda and the ISIS (ISIL) group.
HRW claims that the drone strikes, which occurred at crowded markets and a funeral, violated laws-of-war prohibitions against indiscriminate attacks on civilians. The report contends that these actions by the Burkina Faso military amount to apparent war crimes.
The first drone strike on August 3 targeted a group of armed fighters in Bouro, resulting in civilian casualties at a packed market. The report states that on November 18, another strike hit a crowded market near the Mali border, and three days later, a drone struck a funeral gathering in Bidi.
HRW’s investigation revealed significant civilian casualties in both incidents.
The report underscores allegations of a heavy-handed security approach since Captain Ibrahim Traore assumed leadership following a 2022 coup. Traore’s strategy has aimed at reclaiming territories from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
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HRW urges the Burkina Faso government to conduct an urgent and impartial investigation into these alleged war crimes, hold those responsible accountable, and provide adequate support to victims and their families.
Beyond drone attacks, the report highlights other instances of government forces acting with impunity during counterinsurgency operations.
In April 2023, security personnel reportedly killed 136 people, including women and infants, in the northern village of Karma, according to the NGO the Collective against Impunity and Stigmatisation of Communities (CISC).
