Civilian Peril: Burkina Faso's Coercive Defense Strategies

The Burkina Faso government stands accused of endangering civilians during a militant attack by forcing them to aid in military defenses. Human Rights Watch highlights the killing of over 100 villagers by al-Qaida-linked militants. The government's reliance on civilian militias raises risks, as violence by Islamists remains rampant.

Burkina Faso's government faces serious allegations from Human Rights Watch, accusing it of unnecessarily endangering civilians during a militant attack earlier this year.

In a deadly August incident, over 100 villagers in central Burkina Faso were killed by militants linked to al-Qaida, marking one of the most lethal assaults this year in the strife-torn country.

Human Rights Watch, using video analysis and eyewitness testimonies, confirmed at least 133 casualties, including many children, further critiquing the administration's deployment of civilian militias.

(With inputs from agencies.)