One of Burkina Faso’s deadliest massacres has sparked outrage among victims’ families and religious leaders, pressuring the ruling junta in a country already plagued by coups and rising insecurity.
Militants attacked Barsalogho on Aug. 24 while locals were digging trenches under army orders.
This tragedy, reportedly the worst since al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups spread to Burkina Faso in 2015, has drawn sharp criticism.
Military authorities, who took power in 2022, have not disclosed a death toll but confirmed both civilians and military personnel were killed.
Father Jean Emmanuel Konvolbo of the Archdiocese of Ouagadougou condemned the junta’s silence and inaction, asserting that it contributes to a loss of humanity.
Pope Francis also expressed sorrow over the “horrific acts” committed over the weekend.
Victims’ relatives, under the Justice Collective for Barsalogho (CJB), claim at least 400 died.
They accuse the junta of silencing those who speak out about the tragedy. Soldiers reportedly tried to kidnap a volunteer fighter, but an activist in a nearby city later went missing.
Barsalogho is under militant blockade, with military convoys as the only safe passage.
The junta’s response to dissent has been harsh, with critics facing abduction and torture.
Analysts warn that ongoing violence may lead to more dissent and a potential regime change.
