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Soldiers from Burkina Faso patrol in the Gorgadji area
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Nearly 200 people were killed and 140 injured in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, in a brutal attack by the al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The attack, which targeted civilians, underscores the growing threat from JNIM as it advances through the country. Burkina Faso's military was aware of a potential attack and urged locals to dig trenches for protection. Despite these efforts, JNIM fighters launched a deadly assault, seizing weapons and a military ambulance.
JNIM, formed in 2017, is a coalition of armed groups seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate in the Sahel. It has expanded its operations from Mali into Burkina Faso, targeting government infrastructure and exploiting local divisions. The group finances its activities through ransom, taxes, and trafficking.
Soldiers stand guard in an armoured vehicle in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Security in Burkina Faso has deteriorated rapidly. In 2023, nearly 2,000 people were killed in 258 attacks, making Burkina Faso the most terrorism-affected country in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index.
Despite the military government's promises to restore security after seizing power in 2022, JNIM and other groups continue to gain territory. About 50 to 60 percent of Burkina Faso is now outside government control, with minimal training and resources for newly recruited fighters.
The government's reliance on military force has failed to curb the insurgency, and experts suggest that a negotiated ceasefire with JNIM may be necessary. However, this seems unlikely as the government believes it can still regain lost territory. Meanwhile, frustration among soldiers is growing, leading to fears of potential countercoups.
Torch Media Africa
