Burkina Faso
As of February 2026, Burkina Faso is experiencing one of the world's most severe and complex human rights crises. Since the 2022 coups led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country has seen a drastic contraction of civic space and an escalation of violence involving both non-state armed groups and government forces.
The following are the primary human rights issues currently facing Burkina Faso:
1. Reintroduction of the Death Penalty
In a major step backward for human rights, the military junta approved a bill in December 2025 to restore the death penalty.
Targeted Crimes: Capital punishment is now applicable for "high treason, terrorism, and espionage."
Political Tool: Human rights groups fear this will be used as a repressive tool to silence political opponents and dissidents under the guise of national security, ending a de facto moratorium that had been in place since 1988.
2. Suppression of Dissent and Forced Conscription
The junta has intensified its crackdown on anyone perceived as critical of the "transitional" government.
Dissolution of Political Parties: In late January 2026, the junta ordered the total dissolution of all political parties in the country, effectively ending formal political pluralism.
Forced Conscription: Authorities continue to use a draconian emergency law to forcibly conscript journalists, civil society activists, and members of the judiciary into the "Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland" (VDP), a national militia.
Enforced Disappearances: Numerous critics have "disappeared" after being taken by security forces, with their whereabouts remaining unknown for months.
3. Mass Casualties and Atrocities
Both state and non-state actors have been implicated in mass killings throughout 2024 and 2025.
Military Abuses: Burkinabè security forces and VDPs have been accused of summary executions. A notable massacre in early 2024 in Yatenga Province saw the execution of at least 223 civilians, including 56 children, in apparent retaliation for insurgent attacks.
Insurgent Violence: Groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda (JNIM) and the Islamic State (ISGS) control roughly 40% of the territory. In August 2024, an attack in Barsalogho killed over 130 civilians. These groups continue to besiege dozens of towns, using starvation as a weapon of war.
4. Protracted Humanitarian and Displacement Crisis
As of early 2026, the humanitarian situation is catastrophic:
Internal Displacement: Nearly 2 million people (10% of the population) are internally displaced.
Food Insecurity: Over 2.7 million people face severe food insecurity. Blockades by armed groups prevent aid from reaching approximately 800,000 people living in besieged localities.
Education and Health: Thousands of schools remain closed due to insecurity, and over 600,000 people have lost access to healthcare because facilities have been destroyed or abandoned.
5. Crackdown on Media and Information
Suspensions: The Higher Communications Council (CSC) has frequently suspended international broadcasters like the BBC, Voice of America, and TV5 Monde for reporting on military abuses.
Self-Censorship: Local journalists operate in a climate of extreme fear, with many choosing to flee the country or cease operations entirely after several newsrooms were raided or shut down in late 2025.