Burkina Faso

17 March 2025

The conflict in Burkina Faso continues to expose civilians to the serious protection risks posed by the various conflict parties, including non-state armed groups, the Burkinabé security and defence forces, and their auxiliaries, the Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie (VDP). In early March, an attack attributed to the VDP in Solenzo (Boucle du Mouhoun) killed dozens of civilians, mostly from the Fulani community, which they accuse of supporting non-state armed groups. These non-state armed groups continue to target civilians, blockading cities for months or even years. This further limits access to food and basic services. Multiple displacement, family separation, psychosocial distress, school dropouts, and children’s forced recruitment in armed groups heighten protection needs for the affected people. As the conflict enters its ninth year, humanitarian needs persist amid increasing attacks on civilians and human rights violations by the conflict parties. (HRW 14/03/2025, GCR2P 14/03/2025, UNICEF 22/02/2025)

22 October 2024

Conflict between non-state armed groups and Burkinabe defence and security forces in Djibo city, northern Burkina Faso, has led to a blockade by the former since February 2022. This blockade has significantly affected humanitarian organisations and the lives of residents, resulting in displacements, deaths, injuries, and access constraints. The blockade has also cut off access to essential supplies and services and restricted people’s movement. On 21 October 2024, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) announced a temporary suspension of its activities in Djibo as a result of the recurrent incidents targeting health centres, water distribution points, and their facilities and staff. This suspension will worsen the already dire situation, as MSF was providing critical healthcare services in the region. (MSF 21/10/2024, HRW 15/06/2023, MSF 05/05/2023)

13 August 2024

On 5 August 2024, attacks in several villages in eastern Nouna commune displaced over 6,600 people to Nouna centre, Kossi province, Boucle du Mouhoun region. The attackers looted food stores, livestock, and other valuables and threatened residents to leave the area. Most of the newly displaced people are living with host families, while some are residing in administrative buildings. The IDPs urgently need assistance in the form of food, shelter, healthcare (especially psychological support), and NFIs. (OCHA 13/08/2024)

23 July 2024

On 17 July 2024, armed groups attacked the city of Djibo in northern Burkina Faso. The groups shot at Médecins Sans Frontiéres offices but did not harm any of the staff and patients. The attack damaged health structures, a water distribution site, and a communications tower. Members of the group also looted and calcined a storage warehouse holding food and other supplies and burnt tents in a displacement site. Djibo, located near three border zones (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), has been under blockade for almost two years, with difficult access and recurrent attacks on supply convoys in the area. (Le Monde 19/07/2024, RFI 19/07/2024)

28 May 2024

On 22 May 2024, armed groups launched a series of attacks in several localities of Burkina Faso. In Partiaga in Est region, the attacks killed 13 civilians and seven Volontaires pour la Défense de la Patrie (members of an auxiliary force supporting the country’s armed forces) and led to the looting of shops. In Nord region, the attacks hit several villages around the city of Séguénéga, killing about 70 civilians (including a humanitarian worker). People have fled to the city of Séguénéga. These incidents are occurring in a context of humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso, where over two million people are already displaced. (Journal du Niger 24/05/2024, OCHA 27/05/2024)

21 May 2024

On 13 and 16 May 2024, media reports highlighted the killing of civilians by members of the armed forces escorting supply convoys in Burkina Faso. About 150 villagers were killed between Dori and Mansila in Sahel region and 100 between Fada N’gourma and Tankoualou in Est region. The increasing targeting of civilians, humanitarian workers, and supply roads affects the humanitarian space, while the country counts about 6.3 million people in need of assistance. Improvised explosive devices, administrative hurdles, and other access restrictions also hinder the delivery of assistance. (ECHO 21/05/2024, France 24 17/05/2024)

05 March 2024

Following the attacks that on 24–25 February 2024 killed over 170 people in Yatenga province of Burkina Faso, a recent incident targeted the villages of Bibgou and Soualimou (Komondjari province), leading to approximately ten fatalities. In January 2024, such attacks resulted in 440 fatalities. The population in northern and eastern Burkina Faso faces protection risks and internal displacement. (ECHO 27/02/2024, RFI 04/03/2024)