Burkina Faso's Double-Edged Conflict: Government Forces Lead Civilian Casualties

Government forces in Burkina Faso have killed more civilians than jihadist groups over two years, with over 1,200 deaths attributed to government actions. Human Rights Watch reports war crimes by both parties, highlighting Fulani ethnic cleansing. Over two million displaced, with the situation further obscured by military censorship.

In a harrowing revelation, a Human Rights Watch study has disclosed that Burkina Faso's government forces are responsible for more civilian deaths than jihadist groups over the past two years, condemning both for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The report claims that of the 1,837 civilians killed from January 2023 to August 2025, government forces accounted for more than 1,200 deaths. The report also pointed out that the true number of deaths might be higher due to underreporting.

The ongoing conflict, marked by violence and ethnic cleansing predominantly targeting the Fulani people, has displaced over two million individuals, challenging the stability promised by military rulers and resulting in a humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

(With inputs from agencies.)