Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused the military of Burkina Faso on May 12 of orchestrating massacres of Fulani civilians between March 14 and April 22 under the auspices of a counter-terrorism operation against Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM), which allegedly retaliated through the targeted killings of civilians viewed as supportive of the military.

The military operation took place in the Banwa and Sourou provinces, with interviewees quoted by HRW stating that women, children and the elderly were often targeted. Witnesses believe that the operation has resulted in the displacement of most Fulani people from Banwa province, who have been blamed for violence perpetrated by JNIM and other affiliated Islamist groups.

International law requires combatants in internal conflicts to distinguish between combatants and civilians, and specifically protects women, children, and the elderly from violence. It is not lawful to target civilians who are not combatants under any circumstances. The law also forbids states from forcing the displacement of civilian populations unless displacement is necessary to ensure civilian safety.

Evidence provided by the testimony sourced by HRW suggests that the operation was targeted specifically at Fulani civilians, and that there was no legitimate military justification for the attacks. In addition, there is no evidence that there was a legitimate justification for the displacement of civilians, as the danger to Fulani civilians appeared to come primarily from the government operation itself.

The government of Burkina Faso has not commented on the operation or the alleged JNIM attacks perpetrated in retaliation.

Conflict between the government and JNIM has already resulted in the internal displacement of over 3.7 million people across the country.

In 2024, HRW reported an increase in killings of civilians by government forces and Islamist armed groups, with both sides reportedly perpetrating the killing of thousands. The military junta that has controlled Burkina Faso since 2022 has also implemented restrictions on free speech and independent media, and reinstated the death penalty.

From JURIST, May 12. Used with permission. Internal links added.