On September 30, 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in Burkina Faso, and since then, the country has witnessed a significant escalation in violence, resulting in the deaths of over 1,800 people, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. The report, which was released on February 20, 2023, highlights the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, particularly in the northern and eastern regions.
“The situation in Burkina Faso is dire, and it’s imperative that the international community takes notice and acts to protect civilians,” said Corinne Dufka, West Africa director at Human Rights Watch, based in Dakar, Senegal.
As of January 2023, the death toll has continued to rise, with an average of 10 people killed every day. Many of the victims are civilians who have been caught in the crossfire between government forces and armed groups. The violence has also led to the displacement of over 5,000 people, who are now seeking shelter in neighboring countries. On February 10, 2023, a UNHCR report stated that the number of internally displaced persons in Burkina Faso has increased by 50% since the beginning of 2022.
Something fundamental had shifted, said Aminata Traoré, a 35-year-old resident of Ouagadougou, who lost her brother in an attack on January 20, 2023. The people of Burkina Faso are living in fear, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to access basic necessities like food and healthcare.
The economic impact of the violence has also been significant, with the country’s gold exports, which account for 40% of the country’s revenue, experiencing a 20% decline in 2022. The government has announced plans to increase security measures, including the deployment of additional troops to the affected areas.
- 1,803 people killed since September 2022
- 5,000 people displaced
- 50% increase in internally displaced persons since January 2022
As the situation in Burkina Faso continues to deteriorate, the international community is calling for calm and restraint. The United Nations has condemned the violence and urged all parties to respect human rights and international law. What happens next will depend on the ability of the government and international community to work together to restore peace and stability in the region.