Burkina Faso Dismisses HRW Report Amid Rising Tensions

The government of Burkina Faso has firmly rejected a report by Human Rights Watch, labeling its findings on alleged human rights abuses as “unfounded” and “misleading.”

In an official statement, spokesperson Gilbert Ouédraogo described the report—covering 2023 to 2025—as a “fabrication” based on questionable sources and flawed methodology. He accused the organization of misrepresenting the situation on the ground and attempting to undermine the credibility of the country’s armed forces.

Authorities emphasized that military operations, carried out in the context of an ongoing fight against terrorism, are conducted in accordance with national laws and international human rights obligations. They reiterated that security forces remain committed to protecting civilians and ensuring national stability.

The government also criticized what it sees as efforts to portray its forces as perpetrators of abuses, arguing that such narratives serve external interests and challenge Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.

The reaction follows claims in the HRW report that more than 1,800 civilians have been killed since 2023 by various actors, including government forces, allied militias, and extremist groups.

The dispute reflects growing friction between Burkinabè authorities and international human rights organizations, as the country continues to grapple with a prolonged security crisis.

Source: Newstimehub