CADHP urges Burkina Faso to uphold human rights amid crisis

Key concerns ahead of Burkina Faso’s human rights review

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (CADHP) must address critical human rights challenges facing Burkina Faso during its upcoming review of the country on October 23, 2024. Among the most pressing issues are protecting civilians amid armed conflict, preserving civic space for activists and journalists, and ensuring accountability for grave abuses, according to Human Rights Watch.

Human rights gaps in Burkina Faso’s report

The CADHP’s State reporting procedure, a mechanism under the African Union to assess compliance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, requires member states to submit periodic reports detailing legislative and policy measures to uphold these rights. However, Burkina Faso’s most recent report, submitted in May 2023 and covering 2015–2021, fails to adequately address critical human rights concerns, including:

• Widespread abuses by state security forces and Islamist armed groups, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict.
• Severe restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms, including civic space.
• The pervasive culture of impunity for serious crimes.

« The CADHP’s review of Burkina Faso presents a crucial opportunity to engage with authorities on human rights practices, » said Allan Ngari, Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. « The Commission should press Burkina Faso to prioritize civilian protection in military operations and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. »

Conflict dynamics and civilian impact

Since 2016, Burkina Faso has faced a brutal insurgency led by groups such as the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). The conflict has escalated following two military coups in 2022, further destabilizing the country.

Burkina Faso’s report highlights measures to combat « violent extremism » and terrorism, including the creation of specialized courts to prosecute terror-related offenses and the deployment of military police to monitor discipline and detainee rights. It also notes training for security forces in human rights and international humanitarian law to prevent abuses and hold perpetrators accountable for « inhumane or degrading acts. »

However, Human Rights Watch has documented widespread abuses by state security forces during counterinsurgency operations, both during the reporting period and beyond. These include crimes against humanity, such as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of civilians accused of collaborating with Islamist groups. Islamist armed groups have also committed grave abuses, including summary executions, sexual violence, and abductions, while besieging towns and villages across the country.

Failure to address impunity

Under international law, Burkina Faso bears primary responsibility for ensuring justice for serious crimes. Yet, the government has made little progress in investigating or prosecuting abuses committed by state forces since 2016. The country’s report provides no details on inquiries into alleged abuses by government security forces or any judicial proceedings.

While the report mentions efforts to protect civil and political rights, such as a 2017 law safeguarding human rights defenders, authorities have since intensified restrictions on these rights. Since seizing power in 2022, the military junta has systematically targeted activists, opposition members, journalists, and critics through tactics like illegal conscription, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions.

Attacks on civic space and dissent

The CADHP has previously raised alarms about Burkina Faso’s human rights situation. In April 2023, following the massacre of civilians in Karma village, the Commission urged authorities to investigate and protect civilians. In November 2023, its Working Group on Extrajudicial Killings called for an inquiry into an attack in Zaongo village. Despite these appeals, little has changed.

In December 2023, the CADHP expressed concern over the abduction of prominent human rights defender Daouda Diallo and ongoing intimidation of activists. In July 2024, it condemned the enforced disappearances of three journalists, demanding their release and location details—requests ignored by authorities.

The CADHP has not conducted an official visit to Burkina Faso in years. It should seek permission to assess the human rights landscape firsthand and publish a comprehensive report.

« The CADHP must thoroughly discuss abuses by both state forces and Islamist armed groups, as well as accountability, » Ngari emphasized. « It should also recommend concrete steps to safeguard activists, journalists, and political opponents, enabling them to work without fear. »