Fresh violence erupted in Burkina Faso, resulting in the deaths of “several dozen” soldiers and civilians in the northern town of Djibo, according to security and local sources. This violent episode unfolded on Sunday when hundreds of jihadists launched coordinated attacks on both a military detachment and police posts, as well as initiating incursions into various parts of the town.
Security sources reported that the overwhelming number of assailants arrived on motorcycles and in vehicles, effectively encircling Djibo. The simultaneous nature of the assaults led to chaos, with groups penetrating different areas of the town, resulting in civilian casualties. While specific military casualties remain uncertain, estimates suggest a significant loss on that front as well.
Residents of Djibo who spoke to AFP confirmed the brutality of the attacks, reporting a death toll that includes numerous civilians. A local resident recounted harrowing details of executions taking place in front of victims’ homes, particularly targeting adult males, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.
The military junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, which came to power in September 2022, has been notably silent regarding the details of such attacks. They often assert, however, that they are regaining territories previously controlled by jihadist groups. Despite these claims, Burkina Faso remains ensnared in a relentless cycle of violence. Since 2015, the ongoing attacks have claimed the lives of more than 26,000 civilians and soldiers, with over half of those fatalities occurring within the last three years, according to the NGO Acled, which monitors conflict-related casualties.
