The military in Burkina Faso has armed civilians with little training and a disregard for human rights, pushing the nation towards potential civil war. This escalation follows a coup in 2022 led by Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, resulting in a significant increase in violence against local populations.
Recent accounts detail harrowing incidents, such as the murder of Adama Diallo by armed neighbors, highlighting the breakdown of community trust. Burkina Faso, once known for its interethnic harmony, is now experiencing one of West Africa's deadliest conflicts, with tens of thousands killed and nearly three million displaced.
To bolster military efforts against Islamist insurgents, Captain Traoré's government has recruited tens of thousands into a civilian militia, the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (V.D.P.). Originally established to protect communities, the militia has instead perpetrated violence, targeting minority ethnic groups and contributing to rising tensions that some analysts fear could lead to civil war.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project indicates that violence involving militiamen has more than doubled since the coup, with reports of executions and forced disappearances occurring on average every six days.
This pattern of arming poorly trained civilians is not unique to Burkina Faso. Similar strategies in northeast Nigeria and Sudan have resulted in increased violence and humanitarian crises, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such approaches.
Many refugees fleeing to neighboring Ivory Coast report that the V.D.P. has forced them from their homes through violence and intimidation. Approximately 150,000 people have sought refuge in four neighboring countries, with Ivory Coast hosting the largest number.
Fulani civilians, often accused of collaborating with jihadists, face disproportionate violence from the militia, leading to significant displacement. Analysts have noted a direct correlation between the militia's actions and the influx of refugees into Ivory Coast.
Refugees have shared their experiences of abuse and violence, with many expressing fear and uncertainty about their safety. Local authorities in Ivory Coast are struggling to accommodate the growing number of asylum seekers, testing the country's reputation for hospitality.
Despite the challenges, refugees continue to live in dire conditions, with reduced support from humanitarian organizations. Many children are unable to access education, and tensions within host communities are rising as they grapple with the influx of newcomers.
As the situation in Burkina Faso deteriorates, the plight of refugees like Rainatou Diallo underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a resolution to the violence.