Burkina Faso says 170 killed in Jihadist attack on village

Burkina Faso judicial authorities said an attack on a village in Yatenga province left 170 people, including women and children, dead as the country reels under a surge in Jihadist activity.

The attack came as the military authorities in the country warned against increased risk of attacks by extremist groups, including on urban centers.

The country’s army seized power in 2022, but more than a third of Burkina Faso is controlled by insurgents.

The US State Department said it was “gravely concerned by the rise in violence against civilians in northern and eastern Burkina Faso in late February.”

“In addition to deadly attacks on multiple military installations, terrorists killed dozens of worshipers in a mosque in Natiaboani and churches in Essakane. A tribal leader and his security team in Kominyenga, and civilian road crews in multiple locations were also killed. Such attacks on civilians, especially in their places of worship, are reprehensible,” it said.

The US also urged Burkina Faso to investigate incidents involving its army intervention which reportedly cost citizens’ lives.

“The only long-term solution to the scourge of terrorism is expanding good governance based on the rule of law, respecting human rights, and promoting social cohesion,” the US State Department said.

Years of rampant insecurity in Burkina Faso has forced more than two million people out of their homes, and the UN estimates that a quarter of all children under five have stunted growth resulting from hunger.

Military coups in 2022 underscored public frustration with the government’s inability to address insecurity. The current administration, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, has emphasized a robust security response to combat insurgent groups. Yet, despite military efforts to counter armed groups, attacks persist, indicative of ongoing challenges in restoring stability.