In Burkina Faso, where people already live under constant pressure from jihadist attacks, many residents of Ouagadougou fear that the capital will become the next target after Bamako. Some citizens, contacted by DW, preferred to remain silent, a telltale sign of the fear that is taking over people’s minds.
Residents Caught in a Vice
Caught between the threat of terrorist groups and the repression of the military authorities, the inhabitants of the capital live in a tense atmosphere. “We expect everything, but we don’t know when or where it will strike,” says a teacher from the capital, alluding to a possible attack similar to that of Bamako in Ouagadougou.
This fear is shared by many, even if some, like Nebie Boukari, a civil society actor, put it into perspective: “A terrorist attack is always unpredictable. It arouses emotions, and that is precisely what terrorists are looking for. But in reality, no country or city is safe from these attacks.”
The last attack in Ouagadougou dates back to August 13, 2017, when two armed jihadists attacked a restaurant frequented by Westerners, killing around twenty people.
The terrorist attack carried out by JNIM on August 24, 2024, in Barsalogho, in the Centre-North region of the country, is the bloodiest that Burkina Faso, which has been facing jihadist violence for nearly ten years, has experienced in its history.
The Terror of Jihadists
In this climate of insecurity, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published an alarming report on the abuses suffered by civilian populations under the yoke of armed terrorist groups.
Carine Kaneza Nantulya, Sahel researcher for HRW, explains that these violences include summary executions, sexual violence, kidnappings, and looting. “What our research reveals is that many witnesses believe that these attacks are reprisals by Islamist groups against local communities, accused of collaborating with government security forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP),” she explains.
According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled), more than 26,000 people have been killed in Burkina Faso since 2016, including around 15,500 after the military coup in September 2022.
Since January, more than 6,000 deaths have been recorded. Based on Acled data, Islamist armed groups killed 1,004 civilians in 259 attacks between January and August this year, a figure slightly down from the 1,185 civilians killed in 413 attacks the previous year during the same period.
The Impact of Terrorism on Society
The ongoing jihadist threat in Burkina Faso has far-reaching effects on the socio-economic fabric of Ouagadougou and beyond. Here are a few key areas that are impacted:
1. Displacement and Migration
The violence has forced many residents to flee their homes. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) often seek refuge in urban areas, overwhelming local resources and infrastructure.
2. Economic Strain
With businesses targeted and a climate of fear pervading daily life, economic activity has stagnated. Investment has declined as risk perceptions increase among external stakeholders.
3. Education Disruption
Schools are often seen as potential targets for attacks. As a result, enrollment rates have plummeted, and many educational institutions are forced to close.
Statistical Overview
| Year | Civilians Killed | Number of Attacks |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15,500 | Approximately 400 |
| 2023 (Jan – Aug) | 1,004 | 259 |
Government Response
The Burkinabe government has undertaken various measures to combat this growing threat. These include forming new alliances with global partners, most notably Russia, in hopes of reversing the current trend of violence. However, the effectiveness of such measures remains under scrutiny.
Despite the government’s assurances, many citizens remain unconvinced. “The more the state tries to repress us, the more we fear,” one resident voiced, echoing sentiments of insecurity and distrust towards military interventions.
Looking Forward: Advice for Citizens
In such precarious circumstances, here are some practical strategies residents of Ouagadougou can adopt to navigate the fears of potential jihadist attacks:
- Stay Informed: Keep updated on local news and advisories regarding security situations.
- Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community where residents look out for each other and share information.
- Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with emergency protocols and have a plan in place in case of an attack.
- Advocacy: Engage with local authorities and civil society organizations to voice concerns and demand accountability in security measures.
Case Studies: Lessons from Other Regions
Examining similar situations in regions such as the Sahel offers valuable lessons for Burkina Faso. Countries like Mali have dealt with varying degrees of jihadist violence, and understanding their measures—such as community-based resilience initiatives—could help Burkina Faso develop strategic responses.
Additionally, international cooperation in intelligence sharing and resources has proven beneficial elsewhere and could be a key avenue for Burkina Faso to explore.
The juxtaposition of repression and the chaos of terrorism presents a dual threat that the people of Burkina Faso must navigate with resilience and ingenuity.
