OUAGADOUGOU: In the latest wave of violence plaguing Burkina Faso, more than 15 people, believed to be primarily shepherds, were killed in an attack in the eastern part of the country, according to security and local sources. The assault occurred on the outskirts of Kompienga, the capital of the province with the same name, on Sunday.
A resident in the area reported that “several dozen terrorists attacked the outskirts of Kompienga,” resulting in the loss of approximately 15 lives. The attack has been confirmed by both a security source and another resident. This incident follows a series of deadly assaults that occurred throughout the past week in Burkina Faso.
Last Thursday, suspected jihadists carried out an attack in a region of western Burkina Faso bordering Mali, leaving at least twelve civilians dead. Additionally, sources reported that around 20 people were killed in several raids on villages in the troubled north of the country. On Friday, reports emerged of another 20 fatalities in separate attacks in eastern Burkina Faso.
Violence in Burkina Faso
In the southeastern province of Koulpelogo, armed men targeted the village of Kaongo on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people, including women and children. Two days later, the neighboring village of Bilguimdoure was also attacked, resulting in approximately 10 casualties. Homes and stores were set ablaze, and livestock was stolen by the attackers. The relentless violence has instilled fear among local residents, prompting many to flee the area.
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency that originated from neighboring Mali. Various extremist groups have been responsible for the escalating violence. NGO estimates indicate that over 10,000 civilians, troops, and police have lost their lives in the insurgency, while more than two million people have been displaced, and a significant portion of the country remains beyond the government’s control.
The mounting toll of violence has caused significant unrest within the military, leading to two coups last year. As a response, the interim parliament has unanimously extended the state of emergency for an additional six months, which was initially imposed in eight of the country’s 13 regions at the end of March. The state of emergency grants security forces the authority to conduct searches of homes day and night and imposes restrictions on fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of movement and assembly.
In a separate development, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Friday that Australian doctor Kenneth Elliott, 88, who was kidnapped by a militant group along with his wife over seven years ago in Burkina Faso, has been freed.
The situation in Burkina Faso remains highly volatile, with the government and international community working tirelessly to combat the insurgency and restore stability to the country.
