Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela, stated on Wednesday that the civilian casualties from a jihadist attack on August 24 were due to inadequate protection.
The attack, which targeted residents of Barsalogho in north-central Burkina Faso, resulted in the deaths of at least 400 people. The victims were digging defensive trenches on orders from the military, with some reportedly forced to participate.
Tambela, speaking at a flag-raising ceremony in Ouagadougou, described the attack as a tragedy and questioned why protective measures were not implemented as instructed by the head of state. “The head of state gave necessary instructions for protecting the population during collective mobilizations,” Tambela said. “Why were these instructions not respected?”
The attack is among the deadliest in Burkina Faso’s history and represents a significant challenge for the junta that assumed power in September 2022 with a promise to address the insurgency that began spreading from Mali in 2015.
Despite the severity of the incident, official statements have been sparse, and authorities have yet to release a detailed death toll.
Al Qaeda affiliate JNIM has claimed responsibility for the attack and has warned civilians against supporting the army’s efforts against the insurgency. The junta, under leader Ibrahim Traore, has relied heavily on civilians as volunteer auxiliaries in its fight against the insurgents. The increasing insecurity and rising civilian casualties are partly attributed to retaliation against those involved with the military.
In response to the attack, a group of victims’ relatives reported that many residents were forced to dig trenches, with some being beaten for refusal. Despite multiple requests for comments, the junta has not addressed these concerns. Additionally, there were warnings that the trench-digging might provoke the jihadists who have blockaded the town for nearly two years.
