In Burkina Faso’s hard-hit northern region, al-Qaeda-linked rebels claimed the lives of no fewer than 40 civilians as they tried to establish control over a besieged town.
The United Nations Human Rights Office, labeling the attack near Mali’s border in Djibo as a war crime, reported that the incident occurred on Saturday.
The Associated Press reported that the clash was one of the most extensive in recent years for the West African nation, which remains under a constant threat from fighters linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
The town, positioned 210 kilometers (130 miles) from the capital, Ouagadougou, has been besieged by rebels for more than a year, leading to ongoing difficulties in delivering essential services.
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The militants behind the Sunday attack left 42 people injured and razed three camps for internally displaced individuals. UNHRO spokesperson Seif Magango, in a statement on Tuesday, squarely placed the blame on JNIM, an umbrella coalition of armed groups aligned with al-Qaeda.
‘Deliberately targeting civilians or individuals not taking direct part in hostilities constitutes a war crime,’ the UN department said, citing reports from its workers on the ground.
‘Attacks on civilians are inexcusable and must stop, and those responsible must be held to account following thorough, impartial and independent investigations by the authorities,’ the UN statement added.
Burkina Faso finds itself in a precarious situation with nearly half of its territory beyond government control, facing the ongoing devastation caused by jihadi attacks.
Fighters, through their actions, have led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of over two million people, intensifying the threat to the stability of a country that underwent two coups last year.