Human Rights Watch has implicated pro-junta militias in a significant massacre in western Burkina Faso, resulting in multiple deaths, including women and children. The military junta has denied these allegations, claiming disinformation while defending its military actions against supposed terrorists. The situation reflects ongoing human rights abuses amid a prolonged conflict in the region.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has alleged that militias allied with Burkina Faso’s military junta are responsible for a significant massacre that occurred in the western region of the country, resulting in numerous fatalities. The organization described the event as “gruesome” and confirmed that videos circulating on social media depict armed individuals in militia uniforms associated with the government’s efforts against Islamist militants. According to HRW, the videos show 58 deceased individuals, including women and children, with an indication that the actual death toll may be greater due to the bodies being stacked together.

In response, government spokesperson Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo characterized the social media footage as a “disinformation campaign,” asserting it contained “false information aimed at undermining social cohesion.” He contended that the security forces, alongside the militias, had engaged with “terrorists” and encountered civilians who had allegedly been utilized as human shields. Ouedraogo’s statement claimed that about 100 “criminals” were neutralized during the operation.

Rights groups, including HRW, identified the deceased as likely belonging to the ethnic Fulani community, which has been accused by authorities of assisting al Qaeda and Islamic State-linked factions. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior researcher at HRW, remarked that the videos highlight a severe lack of accountability regarding actions taken by pro-government militias in Burkina Faso. The incident reportedly occurred in and around Solenzo on March 10 and 11, as confirmed by the rights organization.

As Burkina Faso enters its ninth year of armed conflict, Allegrozzi reflected on the persistent violence faced by the civilian population, which is impacted by security forces, militias, and Islamist groups committing serious crimes. The country, along with its neighboring states, continues to combat a jihadist insurgency that has been escalating since it emerged in Mali over a decade ago. The military government, which assumed control during a coup in 2022, has been criticized by human rights organizations for actions taken in the name of national security, including allegations of kidnapping and forced recruitment of dissidents.

In summary, Human Rights Watch has linked pro-junta militias to a recent massacre in Burkina Faso, raising serious concerns regarding accountability for such actions. The military government’s defense of its operations contrasts sharply with the evidence provided, leading to heightened scrutiny from rights organizations. This incident underscores the ongoing crisis of violence and human rights abuses in the region as the conflict endures.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za

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