Summary
Allegations of cannibalism involving Burkina Faso’s military have emerged amid escalating violence and instability in the country. Reports indicate that soldiers from the Rapid Intervention Battalion 15 (BIR-15) were filmed dismembering and displaying body parts of deceased jihadists, raising serious concerns about the conduct and discipline within the armed forces since the military coup in 2022.
The context of these allegations is rooted in a deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso, where jihadist groups have gained significant ground following the withdrawal of French and American military forces. The French security assessment highlights that the military’s effectiveness has been compromised, leading to accusations of misconduct, including cannibalism. A press release from the Burkina Faso military condemned the actions depicted in the videos and promised an investigation into the incidents. This troubling development reflects broader issues of governance and accountability within the military, as well as the challenges faced by the junta in controlling the violence and maintaining order in the country.
Oct. 4 / Cnn / Highlights the shocking scale of violence in Burkina Faso, with a French security assessment revealing a massacre that nearly doubles previous death tolls, emphasizing the deteriorating security landscape. “ Editor’s note: This story contains a graphic image and descriptions of violence. Up to 600 people were shot dead in a matter of hours by al Qaeda-linked...