The United States, through the State Department, has expressed grave concerns about the human rights situation in Burkina Faso, strongly condemning the “violence committed by terrorist groups against civilians, military, and police” in the West African nation.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller conveyed the US’s worry regarding the actions of Burkina Faso’s Transition Authorities. Notably, he highlighted the increasing use of targeted forced conscriptions, a shrinking civic space, and restrictions imposed on political parties.
The turbulent events unfolded in January 2022 when Burkina Faso’s army ousted President Roch Kabore, citing his failure to contain violence by Islamist militants. Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, the coup leader, initially pledged to restore security. However, the situation worsened, leading to a decline in morale within the armed forces. This deterioration culminated in a second coup in September 2022, with Captain Ibrahim Traore assuming leadership of the junta.
The US State Department’s statement underscores its commitment to addressing the critical issues of human rights violations, ongoing terrorist violence, and the complex political landscape in Burkina Faso.
