Women and children, displaced by violence in Burkina Faso, sit by a shelter. Credit: UNOCHA/Olympia de Maismont
Niamey, Niger, September 30, 2022 – Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) calls upon armed actors in Burkina Faso to stop all attacks against civilians and to respect International Humanitarian Law. Moreover, Burkinabe authorities must urgently investigate the attacks perpetrated against civilians, including those that may implicate military actors.
CIVIC is shocked and horrified by the attack of September 26, 2022, during which a food supply convoy, escorted by the army, and in the direction of the Soum province, was attacked. The government confirmed the death of 11 members of the military, while 50 civilians are still missing. The food and goods intended for the civilian population were also destroyed during the attack.
CIVIC reminds all armed actors that civilians, as well as their belongings and properties must never be targeted.
CIVIC encourages the authorities of Burkina Faso to continue their efforts to reduce violence against civilians and to prioritize the protection of communities during military operations.
“Civilians continue to pay a heavy toll in Burkina Faso. We encourage the government and the security and defense forces of Burkina Faso to enforce all efforts aimed at protecting civilians from armed attacks,” said Vianney Bisimwa, CIVIC’s Regional Director in the Sahel. “This means both taking into account and anticipating the presence and needs of civilians in areas of operations.”
CIVIC in the Sahel:
Since 2018, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) has been engaged with communities, militaries and community militias in the Sahel to improve the protection of civilians. Based on the principle that civilians are the best agents for their own protection, CIVIC supports civilian populations to advocate for their own protection, including with state and non-state security forces. CIVIC provides training and guidance to the defense and security forces in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Chad to support them in their efforts to protect civilians. Read more here.
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
In Niamey: Amina Issa Oumarou, Advocacy, Policy and Communications, Sr. Manager : aoumarou@civiliansinconflict.org +227 90272827
In the Hague : Hajer Naili, Director of Communications: hnaili@civiliansinconflict.org, +31.6.21.69.68.86/ +1.917.889.5982 (WhatsApp)
