Residents of several jihadist-besieged towns in Burkina Faso have accused the country’s military of preventing civilians from leaving government-held areas, forcing them to remain in communities facing severe food shortages and deteriorating living conditions.
The allegations were made by civilians and aid workers in interviews with The New Humanitarian, which reported claims that soldiers have turned back residents attempting to flee blockaded towns, although the publication said it could not independently determine the scale of the practice or whether it is official government policy.
Residents Allege Soldiers Prevented Them From Leaving
According to the report, several residents said soldiers denied them access to military convoys, which are often the only available routes out of towns surrounded by jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
A resident of Djibo claimed a soldier refused to allow them onto a convoy, telling them they should be prepared to face death like members of the military.
Another resident of the town alleged they were removed from a convoy, questioned by soldiers, and only allowed to leave after pleading that they were seriously ill.
Aid Workers Describe ‘Double Blockade’
An international aid worker familiar with the situation in Djibo described the alleged restrictions as creating a “double blockade.”
According to the report, residents are trapped by:
- Jihadist blockades surrounding towns
- Alleged military restrictions on civilians trying to leave
- Severe shortages of food and essential supplies
- Ongoing insecurity and attacks
The aid worker alleged that the restrictions create an inaccurate impression that government-held towns remain stable.
Government Did Not Respond to Allegations
The New Humanitarian reported that it sought a response from the Burkina Faso government but did not receive one.
The publication also said it could not establish:
- How many civilians have allegedly been prevented from leaving
- Whether the reported restrictions are isolated actions by individual soldiers
- Whether they form part of an official government policy
Conflict Has Intensified Since 2022
Burkina Faso has battled a jihadist insurgency for more than a decade.
The conflict entered a new phase after Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a 2022 coup, promising to restore security through expanded military operations.
According to the report, Traoré’s government says it has regained significant territory and reduced internal displacement. However, those claims have been disputed by critics, while rights groups have accused security forces of committing abuses against civilians.
Residents Cite Fear, Hunger and Humanitarian Crisis
Several civilians interviewed said they eventually escaped through rural routes after allegedly being prevented from leaving by soldiers.
Others claimed they remained trapped in besieged towns because they feared being accused of collaborating with jihadist groups if they attempted to leave.
Many residents described worsening humanitarian conditions, including hunger, limited supplies and dependence on humanitarian aid and military convoys….See More
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