Introduction
Burkina Faso, a West African nation, is facing one of the most severe and overlooked crises in the world today. Just a year ago, the National Security-focused outlet War on the Rocks published an article with the stark opening line, “Burkina Faso is dying.” The article delved into the country’s ongoing jihadist insurgency, predicting that the pressures could soon become so great that the nation might cease to exist. This wasn’t hyperbole. Today, up to 60% of Burkina Faso is under the control of Islamist rebels, and 2 million citizens, equivalent to 10% of the population, are trapped in cities besieged by insurgents. As the death toll rises, the overwhelmed military has turned to Russia for assistance in a desperate attempt to stem its losses.
In this blog post, we will explore the current state of Burkina Faso, the reasons behind its rapid descent into chaos, and the broader implications of this crisis for the region and the world. Despite being one of the most neglected conflicts globally, Burkina Faso’s situation is having far-reaching effects, from counterterrorism to geopolitics. It is a tragedy that the world cannot afford to ignore any longer.
The Crisis Unfolds: Burkina Faso’s Descent into Chaos
In the last 12 months, the situation in Burkina Faso has deteriorated dramatically. Islamist insurgents now control a vast portion of the country, with the government struggling to maintain any semblance of control. The insurgency, led by groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, has devastated the nation, leading to widespread displacement, poverty, and violence.
According to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Burkina Faso topped the list of the world’s most neglected crises in both 2023 and 2024. This ranking is based on the lack of media coverage, humanitarian funding, and diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict. Despite the severity of the crisis, it has received minimal attention from the global community, overshadowed by other conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Gaza.
Media Blackout and the Silence of the World
One of the key reasons for the lack of awareness about the crisis in Burkina Faso is the media blackout imposed by the ruling military junta. The government has banned multiple international media outlets, including the BBC, and local journalists face severe repercussions for reporting on the crisis. Last year, two journalists, one of whom was in his 60s, were forcibly conscripted into the army as punishment for their reporting.
This has led to a near-total silence in the global media. While hundreds of thousands of stories are published monthly about the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, coverage of Burkina Faso’s war has been negligible. This has contributed to the crisis becoming one of the most overlooked conflicts in the world, despite its catastrophic impact on the people of Burkina Faso.
The Humanitarian Catastrophe: A Nation Under Siege
The humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso is dire. The country is home to 39 towns and cities under siege by insurgents, with 2 million people trapped inside. These blockades have led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, exacerbating the already widespread poverty and suffering.
Health and education systems are collapsing under the pressure. According to the NRC, 400 health facilities have been shut down, and another 400 are barely functioning, leaving 3.6 million people without access to healthcare. Additionally, 1,600 schools have been forced to close, depriving children of their education. The situation is particularly dire for the country’s 2 million internally displaced people, 60% of whom are children living in camps that often lack basic services.
The Rising Death Toll and the Spread of Violence
The violence in Burkina Faso has led to a dramatic increase in deaths. In 2022, 3,627 people were killed, a number that rose to 8,400 in 2023—a staggering 137% increase. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) recorded over 900 violent deaths in May 2024 alone.
The violence is not confined to Burkina Faso. The conflict is part of a broader insurgency in the Sahel region, which includes neighboring countries like Mali and Niger. Over the past decade, jihadist-related violence in the Sahel has killed at least 42,000 people and displaced 3.3 million. The region has become one of the deadliest conflict zones in the world, with Burkina Faso now at its epicenter.
The Role of the Military and the Spread of Militias
The military junta in Burkina Faso, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has been unable to contain the violence. Instead, their actions have often exacerbated the crisis. The military has been implicated in mass killings of civilians, particularly targeting the Fulani minority, who are often accused of being sympathetic to the jihadists. This has only fueled further radicalization and violence.
In an attempt to bolster their forces, the government has also empowered local militias, known as the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). These groups, initially formed as self-defense units, have become significant players in the conflict, often engaging in human rights abuses and escalating the violence. The use of poorly trained militias has only added to the chaos and suffering in the country.
The International Implications: Counterterrorism and Geopolitics
The crisis in Burkina Faso has far-reaching implications beyond its borders. The spread of violence in the Sahel region threatens to destabilize neighboring countries like Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Jihadist groups have already launched attacks in these countries, and there are fears that the conflict could spread further into West Africa.
From a counterterrorism perspective, the situation in Burkina Faso is of grave concern. The country has become a breeding ground for jihadist groups, who use the lawlessness to plot attacks against the West. The United States and its allies have been trying to counter this threat, but their efforts are being undermined by the growing influence of Russia in the region.
Since the coup in 2022, Burkina Faso has turned away from its traditional Western allies and towards Russia. Russian soldiers, including mercenaries from the Wagner Group, are now present in the country, and the government has received military support from Moscow. This shift is part of a broader trend in the Sahel, where several countries are aligning themselves with Russia, challenging Western influence in the region.
The Forgotten Tragedy: Why Burkina Faso Matters
The crisis in Burkina Faso is one of the great forgotten tragedies of our time. While the world focuses on other conflicts, millions of people in Burkina Faso are suffering in silence. The country is on the brink of collapse, and the consequences of this crisis could be felt far beyond its borders.
It is essential that the global community does not turn a blind eye to the suffering in Burkina Faso. Increased media coverage, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic efforts are needed to address the crisis and prevent further escalation. The people of Burkina Faso deserve to be seen, heard, and supported in their time of need.
FAQs
Q1: What is happening in Burkina Faso? Burkina Faso is experiencing a severe crisis due to a jihadist insurgency that has taken control of up to 60% of the country. The violence has led to widespread displacement, poverty, and a significant death toll, with the military struggling to contain the insurgents.
Q2: Why is Burkina Faso’s crisis so overlooked? The crisis in Burkina Faso has received little international attention due to a media blackout imposed by the military junta, which has banned multiple international outlets and restricted local journalists. This, combined with the global focus on other conflicts, has led to Burkina Faso being one of the most neglected crises in the world.
Q3: What are the humanitarian conditions like in Burkina Faso? The humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso is dire. Millions of people are trapped in besieged towns with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Health and education systems are collapsing, and the number of internally displaced people is growing.
Q4: How is the international community responding to the crisis? The international response has been limited, with many Western countries cutting ties with Burkina Faso after the 2022 coup. Russia has stepped in to provide military support, but this has not significantly improved the situation. More international attention and aid are needed to address the crisis.
Q5: What are the broader implications of the crisis in Burkina Faso? The crisis in Burkina Faso has implications for regional stability in West Africa, counterterrorism efforts, and global geopolitics. The spread of violence could destabilize neighboring countries, and the growing influence of Russia in the region challenges Western interests.
