Burkina Faso: Army Directs Ethnic Massacres
Armed Forces, Militia Kill Over 130 Civilians; Reprisal Killings by Islamist Armed Group

In January 2022, army officers under the self-proclaimed Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (Le mouvement patriotique pour la sauvegarde et la restauration, MPSR) staged a coup against President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, who had been elected for a second term in 2020. Eight months later, in September 2022, disaffected soldiers mutinied in Ouagadougou, the capital, and installed Capt. Ibrahim Traoré as president. Armed Islamist groups, state security forces engaged in military operations, and pro-government militias were all responsible for serious abuses, further degrading Burkina Faso's human rights and humanitarian situation.
Armed Forces, Militia Kill Over 130 Civilians; Reprisal Killings by Islamist Armed Group
Thoroughly Investigate Islamist Armed Group’s War Crime at Barsalogho; Ensure Accountability
Greater Regional Efforts Needed to Protect Population, Improve Accountability
Undertake Prompt, Independent Inquiry with AU, UN Assistance
Repression Spikes Amid Military Abuses, Growing Insecurity
HRW Oral Statement - Item 4 General Debate - HRC58
Immediately Locate Idrissa Barry; Ensure Due Process
Investigate Extensive Video Footage of Dozens Killed in Solenzo
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger End Citizens’ Access to West African Regional Court
Crackdowns on Dissent, Civic Space; Fewer Opportunities for Justice
Restoring Cruel, Irreversible Punishment a Huge Step Back for Rights
Thoroughly Investigate Islamist Armed Group’s War Crime at Barsalogho; Ensure Accountability
Country Review Should Focus on Civilian Protection, Civic Space, Accountability