Investigating the Ties between Burkina Faso’s Military and the Brutal Killing of 156 Innocent Civilians

Burkina Faso authorities are being urged to ensure an independent and impartial inquiry into the summary execution of at least 156 civilians by alleged military forces on April 20, 2023, according to Human Rights Watch. The victims were composed of 83 men, 28 women, and 45 children, and were killed and their property looted and burned in the village of Karma and vicinity in northern Yatenga province. During the six-hour operation allegedly carried out by the army, witnesses said that soldiers went door to door searching and looting homes, beating and ordering out villagers. The soldiers then rounded up the villagers in groups and opened fire, including on people who ran for cover, hid in houses, or begged for their lives. Burkina Faso authorities have condemned the massacre in Karma and said there will be an investigation; however, if the victims and family members of these gruesome killings are to obtain justice, the international community will need to make sure that the promised investigation is credible and independent and that all those responsible are brought to justice.

Unlawful killings of civilians by Islamist armed groups and Burkinabè armed forces have spiked since 2022. The violence has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, with 5.5 million people needing assistance and nearly 2 million people forced from their homes. The killings of civilians in Burkina Faso are in violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits murder, torture, and ill-treatment of civilians and captured fighters. Those who commit serious violations of the laws of war with criminal intent, including mistreatment of people in custody, deliberate attacks on civilians, and pillage of civilian property, are responsible for war crimes.

Burkina Faso ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in 2004, and the government has an obligation to exercise criminal jurisdiction over those who carry out war crimes and other international crimes. Given the gravity of the crimes, the government should seek cooperation and assistance from the African Union and United Nations to carry out the investigation. It is essential that the Karma massacre is thoroughly investigated, that it is independent, credible, and results in impartial prosecutions, as well as ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice.

The survivors of the attack who spoke to Human Rights Watch all said they wanted to know why the massacre had happened, who had ordered it, and that those responsible would be held accountable. This tragedy in Karma has stripped these Burkinabe civilians of their loved ones and has provoked deep emotions in the survivors of the attack. They are struggling to cope with what they have seen and heard and are suffering from post-traumatic stress and depression, including fear, anxiety, sleeplessness, and lack of appetite.

In conclusion, the international community should not turn a blind eye to the ongoing human rights violations by Islamist armed groups and Burkinabè armed forces against civilians in Burkina Faso. The Karma massacre must serve as a wake-up call for the African Union and United Nations to take measures to address the situation in the country and prevent future atrocities. It is imperative for Burkina Faso authorities to ensure that they conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the Karma massacre and bring those responsible to justice. It will be tragic if Burkina Faso authorities do not follow up on their commitment to ensure that the promised investigation is thorough, independent, and results in impartial prosecutions.

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