Escalation of Jihadist Attacks in Burkina Faso Leaves Thousands Dead

Human Rights Watch reports a surge in violence by Islamist groups, retaliating against civilians for non-cooperation and alleged collaboration with government forces.

Islamist insurgents have killed over 6,000 people, including 1,000 civilians, in Burkina Faso this year.
Attacks have targeted villages, displaced persons camps, and Christian worshippers, with a recent massacre in Barsalogho killing up to 400 people.
The jihadist groups Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) are responsible for most of the violence.
Burkina Faso's military and civilian auxiliaries have also been accused of committing atrocities during operations against insurgents.
The country's security situation has deteriorated despite military leader Ibrahim Traoré's efforts to recruit civilian volunteers and seek military aid from Russia.