The government of Burkina Faso has dismissed a report by Human Rights Watch, calling its allegations of human rights violations “unfounded” and “misleading.”
Government spokesperson Gilbert Ouédraogo described the report—covering the period from 2023 to 2025—as a “fabrication” built on unreliable sources and flawed methodology. He accused the organization of distorting realities on the ground and attempting to discredit the country’s armed forces.
Authorities maintained that ongoing military operations against terrorism are conducted in full compliance with national laws and international human rights commitments, emphasizing their focus on protecting civilians and maintaining stability.
Officials also rejected what they see as efforts to portray Burkinabè forces as perpetrators of abuses, arguing that such narratives serve external interests and undermine national sovereignty.
The response follows claims in the HRW report that over 1,800 civilians have been killed since 2023 by various actors, including government forces, allied militias, and extremist groups.
The dispute highlights increasing tensions between Burkina Faso and international human rights organizations, as the country continues to face a prolonged security crisis.
Source: Newstimehub
