Tactics Institute demands an immediate cessation of the grave violations of human rights occurring in Burkina Faso since the ascension of the ruling junta in September 2022. The organization calls upon all concerned parties to take swift action to rectify this dire situation.
Since Burkina Faso’s junta seized power, there has been a disturbing reliance on the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), resulting in an alarming escalation of civilian casualties and the destabilization of communities. This strategy, while purportedly aimed at combating extremism, has tragically led to the loss of thousands of innocent lives, exacerbated inter-ethnic tensions, and torn apart the social fabric of the nation.
The VDP’s actions have not only failed to quell extremism but have also incited retaliatory attacks from extremist groups, further imperilling the safety and security of the populace. Blockades imposed by extremists on communities suspected of supporting the government have plunged innocent civilians into dire humanitarian crises, turning once-prosperous areas into desolate disaster zones.
Tactics Institute condemns the use of VDP recruits in perpetrating atrocities against civilian populations, including extortion, forced disappearances, abductions, and summary executions. Such actions flagrantly violate international laws and fundamental human rights standards. The continued recruitment and incentivization of VDP fighters by the junta only serves to perpetuate a cycle of violence and suffering.
The unchecked violence perpetrated by VDP forces and extremist groups not only destabilizes Burkina Faso but also poses a significant threat to the peace and stability of the entire Sahel region. As tensions escalate and communities are torn apart, there is a growing risk of spillover effects, including the displacement of populations, the proliferation of armed conflict, and the exacerbation of existing regional challenges such as terrorism, trafficking, and irregular migration. Failure to address the root causes of the conflict and to uphold international norms and standards could have far-reaching consequences, undermining efforts towards regional cooperation, development, and security.
We call upon the Burkinabe authorities to immediately halt the recruitment and deployment of VDP forces and to undertake transparent investigations into all reported human rights abuses. Perpetrators must be held accountable, and measures must be implemented to ensure the protection and safety of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or affiliation.
Tactics Institute urges the belligerent parties to prioritize the well-being and security of the Burkinabe people by ceasing all actions that threaten regional stability and peace. Immediate and decisive steps must be taken to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and to restore respect for human rights in Burkina Faso.
