In Burkina Faso, pro-government militias are being linked to a chilling massacre revealed through video evidence circulating online. Human Rights Watch reported that from March 10-11, 2025, these forces were implicated in the killings of numerous civilians around Solenzo. The urgent call for an unbiased investigation and accountability is echoed by many observers, urging action to prevent further violence against innocents.
Eleven videos were scrutinised by Human Rights Watch, painting a grim picture of the aftermath with dozens of bodies, including civilians of all ages. Disturbingly, some victims were found alive but bound and wounded, with armed men identifiable by militia uniforms nearby. This incident recalls the dark reality of local groups engaged in violence, particularly the Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie and other militia factions.
The majority of the victims are believed to be from the ethnic Fulani community, who have suffered retaliation due to suspicions of ties with Islamist militants. This community has been historically targeted by Burkinabè authorities amid a backdrop of rising Islamist insurgencies that capitalise on grievances against the state. The lack of official response to the videos only adds layers to the existing tensions.
Graphic evidence from the videos includes horrifying scenes of injured individuals and the dead lying amongst one another, underscoring the brutality of the events. The distressing content captured on camera reveals the dehumanisation faced by the victims, as the aggressors use derogatory language against the Fulani people. The images serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing hostilities in the region.
The Islamist groups have also inflicted violence, as noted in several reports of massacres following perceived associations with local militias. Incidents of retaliation have left communities shattered, igniting cycles of violence that further destabilise the region. President Ibrahim Traoré’s recent military appointments aimed at combating these threats have not quelled the violence.
In summary, as the conflict drags on in Burkina Faso, systemic abuses and retaliations against the Fulani community highlight a dire need for accountability from the government and militias alike. The ongoing violence erodes any semblance of safety for civilians, with Human Rights Watch reiterating the pressing need for a responsible response to this humanitarian crisis.
Pro-government militias in Burkina Faso are linked to the massacre of civilians in Solenzo, as reported by Human Rights Watch. Video evidence reveals numerous deaths and atrocities, predominantly against the ethnic Fulani community, thrusting the need for accountability into the spotlight. Amidst ongoing conflict, the state’s failure to respond exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, necessitating immediate action to protect civilians and end impunity.
The recent massacre in Burkina Faso, attributed to pro-government militias, underscores a crisis of accountability and evokes a bleak reality for civilians, particularly the Fulani community. The evident lack of investigation and the cycle of violence mirror the deepening humanitarian catastrophe as the conflict continues into its ninth year. It’s crucial for Burkinabè authorities to address this injustice and put an end to cycles of reprisal and violence to restore hope for affected communities.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
