It was one of the biggest clashes in recent years in the West African nation, which is under threat from militants linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State (IS) group. It happened when a large group of fighters attacked and seized control of the town of Djibo near the Mali border.
A refugee camp in Djibo, Burkina Faso. Photo: AP
The town, located 210km from the capital Ouagadougou, has been besieged by rebels for more than a year, with frequent difficulties in providing essential services.
In addition to the 40 people killed, militants in Sunday's attack also injured 42 people and set fire to three camps for internally displaced people, UN Human Rights Office spokesman Seif Magango said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that the attack was carried out by JNIM, a coalition of armed groups affiliated with al-Qaida. “The deliberate targeting of civilians or individuals not directly participating in hostilities would constitute a war crime,” the statement said.
Burkina Faso, along with Mali, Guinea and Niger, are four West African countries currently ruled by military governments following coups. Graphic photo: JDH
“Attacks on civilians are inexcusable and must stop, and those responsible must be held accountable following thorough, impartial and independent investigations by the authorities,” the UN statement added.
About half of Burkina Faso remains outside the control of the government. The landlocked country has been ravaged by attacks by Islamist jihadist groups.
Militants have killed thousands of people and displaced more than 2 million, further threatening the stability of a country that has suffered two coups in the past year. Burkina Faso joins Mali, Guinea and Niger as four West African countries currently ruled by military governments following coups.
Hoang Anh (according to AP)
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