Burkina Faso Military Forces Execute 223 Civilians in Brutal Campaign - HRW Report

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has documented the summary execution of 223 civilians, including 56 children, by Burkina Faso’s military forces.

The horrifying events unfolded on February 25 in the villages of Nondin and Soro, both located in the northern region of the country.

The report, published on Thursday, sheds light on a brutal military campaign targeting civilians accused of collaborating with armed groups. In Nondin, soldiers mercilessly killed 44 people, including 20 children, while in nearby Soro, the death toll rose to 179, with 36 children among the victims.

HRW conducted extensive interviews with witnesses between February and March, piecing together a harrowing account of the atrocities. Survivors shared videos and photographs, providing crucial evidence. Additionally, the organization geolocated eight mass graves using satellite imagery from March 15.

The context surrounding these tragic events is equally disturbing. On February 24 and 25, armed groups launched attacks across Burkina Faso, targeting military installations, barracks, and bases. Shockingly, they also struck civilian infrastructure, including religious sites, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.

As the world grapples with the horrors faced by these communities, the urgent need for accountability and justice cannot be overstated. The international community must rally to condemn these atrocities and demand answers. The lives lost in Nondin and Soro deserve more than mere headlines; they demand action and a commitment to prevent such tragedies from recurring.