why the african commission on human and peoples’ rights must prioritize Burkina Faso
Human rights advocates are urging the Africa Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (CADHP) to spotlight critical human rights challenges during Burkina Faso’s upcoming review on October 23, 2024. The call emphasizes the urgent need for the Burkinabe government to safeguard civilians amid armed conflict, uphold civic freedoms for activists, journalists, and opposition groups, and ensure accountability for severe abuses.
The CADHP’s State reporting procedure—a mechanism under the African Union—requires member states to submit periodic reports on their compliance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Burkina Faso’s most recent report, submitted in May 2023 and covering 2015–2021, fails to adequately address pressing human rights concerns, including widespread abuses by state security forces and Islamist armed groups, restrictions on fundamental rights, and systemic impunity.
key human rights concerns in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has been grappling with a devastating insurgency since 2016, fueled by groups like the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM)—linked to Al-Qaeda—and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). The country has also faced political instability, including two military coups since 2022. Documented abuses include:
- Mass civilian casualties: Security forces and Islamist militants have killed, forcibly disappeared, and tortured civilians accused of collaborating with armed groups. Reports highlight crimes against humanity, including massacres and drone strikes targeting civilians.
- Restrictions on civic space: The Burkinabe junta has systematically suppressed dissent, using tactics such as illegal conscription of critics, enforced disappearances, and judicial harassment against activists, journalists, and opposition figures.
- Lack of accountability: Despite documented abuses, the government has made minimal progress in investigating or prosecuting perpetrators, particularly from state security forces.
The CADHP has previously expressed concern over specific incidents, such as the Karma massacre in April 2023, where dozens of civilians were allegedly killed by security forces, and the Zaongo attack in November 2023, which targeted civilians in the Namentenga province. However, no meaningful investigations or prosecutions have materialized.
urgent recommendations for the cadhp
Human rights organizations stress that the CADHP must:
- Demand transparency from Burkina Faso’s authorities regarding investigations into abuses by security forces and Islamist groups.
- Call for accountability by urging the government to prosecute those responsible for grave violations, including crimes against humanity.
- Protect civic freedoms by advocating for the safety of activists, journalists, and political opponents, who face harassment, enforced disappearances, and unlawful conscription.
- Conduct an official visit to Burkina Faso to assess the human rights situation firsthand and issue a comprehensive report.
« The CADHP’s review of Burkina Faso presents a pivotal opportunity to hold the government accountable for its human rights obligations, » said Allan Ngari, Advocacy Director for Africa at Human Rights Watch. « The Commission must push for concrete measures to protect civilians, ensure justice for victims, and restore civic freedoms. »
next steps for the african commission
The CADHP has not conducted an official visit to Burkina Faso in years. Advocates argue that such a visit is long overdue to provide an independent assessment of the crisis. The Commission’s findings and recommendations could influence regional and international responses to the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
As Burkina Faso faces escalating violence and repression, the CADHP’s intervention could mark a turning point in addressing impunity and safeguarding fundamental rights for all Burkinabe citizens.
