Burkina Faso Clashes Leave 53 Soldiers Killed

 

Al Jazeera: At least 53 Burkina Faso soldiers, volunteers killed in clashes with rebels  

Seventeen soldiers and 36 civilian volunteers killed in Yatenga province, where the army has been trying to reconquer territory to allow displaced people to return home. 

At least 53 members of Burkina Faso’s security forces have been killed during heavy clashes with rebel fighters in the country’s north, according to the army. 

Seventeen soldiers and 36 volunteers assisting the military were killed during an “attack” in Koumbri commune in Yatenga province on Monday, the army said in a statement on Tuesday.  

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Burkina Faso Clashes Leave 53 Soldiers Killed  

Dozens of soldiers and volunteers killed in northern Burkina Faso attack, says army -- France 24  

More than 50 security forces killed by jihadis in Burkina Faso, as violence inches closer to capital -- AP  

Clashes with militants kill 53 Burkina Faso soldiers and volunteers, army says -- The Guardian  

Militants in Burkina Faso Kill More Than 50 Fighters -- VOA  

Scores of soldiers and volunteers die in Burkina Faso attack -- RT 

53 members of Burkina security forces killed in suspected jihadist attack -- Africa News

France Will Recall Its Ambassador From Burkina Faso After Agreeing To Withdraw Its Military Forces

 

France 24: France recalls ambassador from Burkina Faso after agreeing to withdraw troops 

France said on Thursday that it was recalling its ambassador from Burkina Faso, a day after agreeing to demands from the ruling junta to pull out troops from the former French colony in Africa's Sahel region. 

"In the context of the latest developments in Burkina Faso, we have decided to recall our ambassador to Paris for consultations on the state and perspectives of our bilateral relations," the foreign ministry said. 

Burkina on Monday said it had asked France to withdraw within a month its contingent of some 400 troops currently stationed in the country and on Wednesday Paris agreed to do so. 

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France Will Recall Its Ambassador From Burkina Faso After Agreeing To Withdraw Its Military Forces  

France recalls ambassador to Burkina Faso after agreeing to withdrawal request -- Politico  

France recalls ambassador and will withdraw military forces from Burkina Faso -- CNN  

France to 'respect' Burkina Faso's request and pull troops -- DW 

Burkina Faso unrest: France agrees to pull its troops out -- BBC

Burkina Faso Orders French Troops To Leave The Country Within One Month

 

CNN: Burkina Faso’s military government demands French troops leave the country within one month 

The military government of Burkina Faso has demanded the departure of French troops from the country, according to the government press agency Agence d’Information du Burkina (AIB). 

France has exactly one month to remove its troops from Burkina Faso, according to the terms of the 2018 agreement, AIB reported, citing sources. 

The military government “denounced last Wednesday, the agreement which has governed since 2018, the presence of the French Armed Forces on its territory,” AIB reported Saturday.  

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 WNU Editor: France wants a clarification?!?!?!? .... France asks Burkina Faso to clarify troop departure reports (AP). I do not know about you. But the military government of Burkina Faso is very blunt that they want the French out.

Burkina Faso Orders French Troops To Leave The Country Within One Month  

Burkina Faso gives French troops a month to leave, says local media -- France 24  

Burkina Faso military government demands departure of French troops -- Reuters  

Burkina Faso orders French troops to leave -- DW  

Burkina Faso gives France one month to withdraw its troops -- News 360 

Burkina Faso asked France troops to quit, diplomatic note confirms -- RFI  

Burkina Faso demands departure of French troops: Report -- Al Jazeera

Coup In Burkina Faso: News Roundup

 

Daily Mail: Military coup overthrows Burkina Faso's junta in the second takeover in eight months after gunfire broke out at presidential palace 

* A military coup has taken place in Burkina Faso for the second time this year 

* The coup overthrew the country's junta - which forcibly took power in January 

* Army Captain Ibrahim Traore says he has deposed leader Paul-Henri Damiba Burkina Faso's government has been overthrown by a military coup, in the second takeover in just eight months. 

Sounds of gunfire were reported at presidential palace earlier today and soldiers were seen blocking main roads in the capital Ouagadougou. 

Appearing on national TV, Burkina Faso army Captain Ibrahim Traore announced he has deposed military leader Paul-Henri Damiba and dissolved the government.  

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WNU editor: This is Burkina Faso's second coup in the past year.  

Update: There are accusations that France is supporting a counterattack .... Burkina coup-makers accuse France of supporting counterattack (Al JAzeera). More here .... Gunfire, confusion grip Burkina Faso day after coup, fire breaks out at French embassy (Reuters), and here .... Burkina Faso's New Leader Says Gunfire in Capital Was Counter-Offensive by Ousted President (Reuters). 

Coup In Burkina Faso: News Roundup  

Burkina Faso coup: Gunshots in capital and roads blocked -- BBC  

Burkina Faso’s military leader ousted in second coup this year -- The Guardian  

Protesters attack French Embassy in Burkina Faso after coup -- ABC News Australia  

Burkina Faso army captain announces overthrow of military government -- France 24  

Burkina Faso Army Announces Overthrow of Military Government -- VOA 

Burkina Faso’s military government ousted: Reports -- Politico

Islamic Insurgents Launch Attacks In Burkina Faso Killing Almost 100

 

Reuters: Armed men kill at least 100 in Burkina Faso border zone - security source 

OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) -Armed men killed at least 100 civilians in a rural district of northern Burkina Faso close to the border with Niger over the weekend, a security source said. 

The attackers targeted men but appeared to spare women and children in Seytenga district on Saturday night, the security source and two other sources said, all speaking on condition of anonymity. 

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but the assault happened in borderlands where militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State are waging an insurgency.  

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Islamic Insurgents Launch Attacks In Burkina Faso  

Burkina Faso: dozens more bodies found after militant attack -- The Guardian  

Burkina Faso: Soldiers find 79 bodies after deadly insurgent attack -- DW  

At least 50 civilians killed in suspected jihadist raid on Burkina Faso village -- France 24  

Burkinabes shaken by deadliest jihadist attack since military take over -- Africa News

Is Russia The Reason Why There Was A Coup In Burkina Faso This Week?

The Cyber Shafarat - Treadstone 71  

Daily Beast: African President Was Ousted Just Weeks After Refusing to Pay Russian Paramilitaries 

Coup leader tried, and failed, to persuade the Burkina Faso president to sanction the introduction of Russian mercenaries before kicking him out of office. 

ABUJA, Nigeria—One of the Burkina Faso president’s final acts in office was refusing to sanction the use of Russian paramilitaries on his soil. 

The leader of this week’s successful military coup against him was the very man who tried to pressure him into accepting help from Moscow, sources in the former president’s camp told The Daily Beast. 

Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, a lieutenant colonel, was promoted last month to oversee security in the capital city of Ouagadougou. On two occasions he sought to persuade President Roch Kabore to engage Russia’s black ops outfit the Wagner Group, according to two officials who were part of the president's communications team.  

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Update: After Coup in Burkina Faso, Protesters Turn to Russia for Help (GodFreyTimes/New York Times)  

WNU Editor: Western military assistance has failed in stopping the rise of Islamist militancy in this part of Africa. In the case of Burkina Faso, Islamist militants have conducted a number of successful and bloody attacks. 

Desperate times results in desperate measures, and we can see it in this country. 

Will Russian mercenaries make a difference? 

I am not sure about that. But for the new rulers of Burkina Faso they are clearly hoping that they will.

Burkina Faso President Kaboré Detained By Military In Coup

 

BBC: Burkina Faso President Kaboré reportedly detained by military 

The President of Burkina Faso, Roch Kaboré, has reportedly been detained by mutinying soldiers. 

Some troops in the West African nation have demanded the sacking of military chiefs and more resources to fight Islamist militants. 

Gunfire had been heard overnight near the presidential palace and at barracks in the capital, Ouagadougou. 

The government on Sunday denied suggestions of a military coup or that the president was under arrest. 

President Kaboré was detained at a military camp by mutinying soldiers, foreign media reports say.  

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Burkina Faso President Kaboré Detained By Military In Coup  

Live: Mutinying soldiers detain Burkina Faso President Kabore -- France 24  

Burkina Faso’s President Kabore is held by mutinous soldiers -- AP  

Burkina Faso President Kabore detained at military camp - sources -- Reuters  

Burkina Faso president detained in coup attempt, reports say -- The Guardian  

Burkina Faso President Kabore detained by soldiers -- DW  

Burkina Faso President Is Held at Army Camp After Soldier Mutiny -- The Independent

Burkina Faso Government Denies A Coup Attempt Is Underway After Reports Of Gunfire At Military Bases

 

BBC: Burkina Faso military bases hit by heavy gunfire 

Heavy gunfire has been heard at several barracks in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, and at a nearby air base. 

The government has denied reports of a coup or that President Roch Kaboré has been detained. 

The defence minister said the crisis had been contained, though there was still shooting at some barracks. 

The government has faced growing discontent over its failure to quell an Islamist insurgency that has devastated the West African state since 2015. 

On 11 January, it said that 10 soldiers had been arrested over an alleged coup plot. 

The government has also repeatedly cut internet services, and has cracked down on public protests against the growing instability.  

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Burkina Faso Government Denies A Coup Attempt Is Underway After Reports Of Gunfire At Military Bases  

Gunfire heard at Burkina Faso army barracks after day of violent protests -- France 24  

Heavy gunfire reported at Burkina Faso military base -- AP  

Burkina Faso defence minister denies rumours President Kabore has been detained -- Reuters  

Heavy gunfire heard in Burkina Faso barracks, government denies army takeover -- CNN  

Burkina Faso: Heavy gunfire heard at military camp -- DW

Jihadists Massacred 138 Civilians In Burkina Faso

France 24: More than 130 killed in deadliest attack in Burkina Faso since 2015 

Suspected jihadists have massacred at least 138 civilians in Burkina Faso’s volatile north, in the deadliest attacks since Islamist violence erupted in the west African country in 2015, officials said Saturday. 

President Roch Marc Christian Kabore denounced an attack near the borders with Mali and Niger, where jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State have been targeting civilians and soldiers. 

“Several injured have succumbed to their wounds and new bodies have been discovered. The still provisional toll is 138 deaths,” one local official said Saturday evening. “The bodies were buried in mass graves,” the official said, adding that “there are dozens of injured” after the overnight attack by armed assailants.  

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More News On Today's Massacre Of 138 Civilians In Burkina Faso 

At least 138 killed in 'horrific' massacre on civilians in Burkina Faso's north -- SBS News  

Burkina Faso attack: More than 130 killed in village raid -- BBC  

At least 132 civilians killed in Burkina Faso's worst attack in years -- Reuters 

Suspected extremist attack on Burkina Faso village kills 130 people -- The Guardian

Presidential Polls Open In Burkina Faso

 

France 24: Burkina Faso votes in presidential election in the shadow of jihadist violence 

Polls opened in Burkina Faso on Sunday for a presidential election that is likely to be dominated by concerns over the jihadist violence that has cost more than 2,000 lives this year alone and will prevent hundreds of thousands from voting due to the security risks. 

Around 6.5 million people will vote in Sunday's election. But nearly 1,500 of the country's 8,000 villages and 22 of more than 300 communes will not be able to vote because of the security risks; the electoral commission says polling stations will remain shut across much of the north and east for fear of violence. 

At least 400,000 people, or nearly 7 percent of the electorate, will be unable to cast their votes. 

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 More News On Burkina Faso's Presidential Election 

Burkina Faso votes amid ongoing extremist violence, threats -- AP 

Burkina Faso holds election under looming threat of violence -- Reuters 

Burkina Faso holds elections amid fear of attacks -- Al Jazeera 

Burkina Faso's election overshadowed by terrorism -- DW

Church Attack Kills Dozens In Burkina Faso

Pictured: A locator map showing the village of Pansi in eastern Burkina Faso, where militants killed worshippers at a Protestant church

Daily Mail: Gunmen kill 24 people at protestant church in Burkina Faso where Islamists are increasingly targeting Christians

* 'Armed terrorists' raided a village in Yagha province, in east Burkina Faso
* Christians were killed in front of the Protestant church before it was set alight
* An army official said the provisional toll was 24 dead, 18 wounded and a number of people kidnapped

Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern Burkina Faso where jihadists frequently target Christians.

A group of 'armed terrorists' raided the village of Pansi, in Yagha province 'and attacked the peaceful local population after having identified them and separated them from non-residents', the governor, Colonel Salfo Kabore, said in a statement.

The assault occurred on Sunday during a weekly service at a Protestant church, security officials said.

'The provisional toll is 24 killed, including the pastor... 18 wounded and individuals who were kidnapped,' Kabore said.

A resident of the nearby town of Sebba said Pansi villagers had fled there for safety.

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More News On Today's Massacre In Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso: Church attack kills dozens -- DW
Burkina Faso church attack leaves 24 dead -- The Guardian/AFP
Gunmen kill 24 near Burkina Faso church as attacks against Christians increasing 'at alarming rate' -- FOX News
Dozens killed in church attack in Burkina Faso -- Al Jazeera
At least 24 killed in church mass shooting in Burkina Faso -- The Independent
Gunmen in Burkina Faso kill 24 men, kidnap 3 youths in attack near church – report -- RT

Jihadist Gunmen Kill 20 Civilians In Latest Attack In Burkina Faso

BBC: Burkina Faso: Gunmen kill 20 civilians in attack

As many as 20 civilians have been killed in an overnight attack in north-western Burkina Faso.

Unidentified heavily armed men on motorbikes carried out the attack in Lamdamol village in Seno province, north of the capital Ouagadougou, on Saturday night, AFP news agency says.

The attack comes a week after 39 people were killed when militants attacked a market in the province of Soum.

The Sahel region has seen an increase in jihadist violence in recent months.

News of Saturday's attack came as France announced it would send a further 600 soldiers to the Sahel region, bringing the total number of French troops to more than 5,000.

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Update #1: 'Jihadist attack' in Burkina Faso village kills nearly 20 civilians -- France 24
Update #2: More than a dozen civilians killed in latest Burkina Faso attack -- Al Jazeera

WNU Editor: I take this as an admission by the Burkina Faso government that thy have lost control of the situation .... Sahel crisis: Burkina Faso to arm civilians against militants (BBC).

Jihadists Massacre 14 In Attack On Church In Eastern Burkina Faso

Map showing deadly violence involving jihadists in Burkina Faso since 2015 (AFP Photo/Maryam EL HAMOUCHI)

France 24: Armed assailants kill 14 in attack on church in eastern Burkina Faso

Fourteen people were killed in an attack Sunday on a church in eastern Burkina Faso where places of worship have suffered a string of Islamist assaults this year, the regional government said.

“Unidentified armed men” carried out the attack during a Sunday service at a Protestant church in the town of Hantoukoura near the border with Niger, the government statement said.

“This attack unfortunately left 14 dead and many wounded,” it said.

Soldiers in the region were hunting down the assailants, who fled on scooters, a security source said earlier.

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More News On Today's Massacre In Eastern Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso leader says 14 slain in attack on church -- AP
At least 14 killed in attack on Burkina Faso church -- Reuters
Burkina Faso: Attack on church kills at least 14 -- BBC
Burkina Faso: 14 people killed in gun attack at church during Sunday mass -- SKY News
Gunmen kill up to 14 in Protestant church attack in Burkina Faso – reports -- RT

Attack On Canadian Mine Convoy In Burkina Faso Kills 37, over 60 Wounded, And Dozens Are Still Missing

NBC/Reuters: At least 37 killed in attack on Canadian mine convoy in Burkina Faso

The attack is the deadliest in recent years as the military struggles to contain Islamist violence that has overrun parts of Burkina Faso.

NAIROBI — Thirty-seven civilians were killed and more than 60 wounded when gunmen ambushed a convoy transporting workers of Canadian gold miner Semafo in eastern Burkina Faso, regional authorities said on Wednesday.

The attack is the deadliest in recent years as the military struggles to contain Islamist violence that has overrun parts of Burkina Faso, in west Africa. Semafo tightened security last year following armed incidents near two of its mines in the country.

Semafo said in a statement earlier that the attack on a convoy of five buses with military escort took place on the road to its Boungou mine in the eastern region of Est, about 40 kilometres from Boungou, and that there were several fatalities and injuries.

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WNU Editor: Many are still missing .... Dozens still missing after deadly attack near Canadian-run mine in Burkina Faso (CBC/Reuters)

More News On Yesterday's Attack On A Canadian Mine Convoy In Burkina Faso

At least 37 dead in attack on Canadian mining convoy in Burkina Faso -- DW
Dozens killed, more than 60 wounded in attack on mine convoy in Burkina Faso -- France 24
Dozens killed in ambush on Canadian gold mine convoy in Burkina Faso -- The Guardian/Reuters
Burkina Faso: Gunmen kill 37 in ambush on mining firm convoy -- BBC
Burkina Faso: 37 killed in attack on Canadian mining convoy -- Al Jazeera
Dozens killed & injured in attack on Canadian gold miner convoy in Burkina Faso -- RT
Canadian company suspends operations at Burkina Faso mine after 37 killed in attack -- Global News/AP

Major Terror Attack On A Military Base In Burkina Faso Has Killed 24

France 24: Burkina Faso troops killed in 'major attack' by ‘terrorist armed groups’

Unidentified militants killed more than a dozen soldiers in northern Burkina Faso Monday in what the army described as a "major attack" by "terrorist armed groups".

A “provisional report” by Burkina Faso's army put the toll at “more than a dozen” soldiers killed and several wounded. With some soldiers still missing, the death toll could hit 20 dead, said security sources.

The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning in Koutougou in Soum province, according to an army statement.

"In reaction to this barbaric attack, a vast air and land search operation is seeking to neutralise the many assailants," the statement added. "A provisional report states that more than a dozen soldiers were killed, and several were wounded."

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Update #1: Burkina Faso troops killed in 'major terrorist attack': Army -- Al Jazeera
Update #2: At least 10 Burkina Faso soldiers killed in militant attack -- Reuters

WNU Editor: This was a major attack involving 40 militants (if not more). The casualty numbers are also climbing .... Death toll from Burkina Faso militant attack rises to 24: army (Reuters).

Jihadists Attack And Burn A Church In Burkina Faso Killing The Priest And 5 Worshippers

Christianity Today: Another Sunday Church Attack in Burkina Faso Kills Six

This time, terrorists interrupted a Catholic Mass in Dablo, separated men from women and children, and murdered the priest and five worshipers.

For the second time since Easter, a church in Burkina Faso has suffered a terrorism attack during Sunday services.

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/may/burkina-faso-church-attack-dablo-catholic-mass-terrorism.html

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WNU Editor: This is the second attack in two weeks on a church in Burkina Faso. What is even more disturbing about today's attack is that a large number of Jihadists were involved, with some estimates as high as 30. In a country that has a long history of religious tolerance, it is obvious that those days are now gone.

More News On Today's Jihadist Attack In Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso church attack: Priest among six killed -- BBC
Gunmen kill 6 in second church attack in Burkina Faso -- CBC/Reuters
Gunmen kill six during Catholic mass in Burkina Faso -- AFP
Gunmen kill six during Catholic mass in Burkina Faso -- RTE
Gunmen kill six during Catholic mass in Burkina Faso -- Al Jazeera
Gunmen kill priest, worshippers in Burkina Faso church -- DW
Attack on Catholic church in Burkina Faso leaves six dead -- CNN
6 killed in gunman attack on Catholic church in Burkina Faso -- RT
Gunmen Kill Six, Burn Church During Sunday Mass In Terror Attack In Burkina Faso -- Daily Wire
Attack on Catholic church kills six people in Burkina Faso -- VOX

French Troops Free Four Hostages In Burkina Faso. Two Commandos Killed

Daily Mail: US citizen is among four hostages rescued in Burkina Faso as France reveals two soldiers were killed in the mission to free them

* Two French soldiers were killed in action as four hostages rescued in West Africa
* Men identified as Cédric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello by Élysée Palace
* French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences for the two deaths

A US woman was among four hostages rescued in Burkina Faso, West Africa on Friday as France revealed two soldiers were killed in the mission to free them.

The two soldiers died in a military operation to rescue the woman, a South Korean woman and two Frenchmen in the Sahel region of Africa overnight on May 9.

The operation took place in a bid to free two French tourists, Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas, who had disappeared in the remote Pendjari National Park in Benin on May 1.

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More News On Today's French Military Operation In Burkina Faso

Four hostages rescued in Sahel, including two French tourists kidnapped in Benin -- France 24
French troops free hostages in Burkina Faso -- BBC
Hostages freed in deadly mission that leaves two French soldiers dead in West Africa -- Euronews
Burkina Faso rescue operation frees American, leaves 2 French commandos dead -- NBC
American hostage among four freed in western Africa following French special forces raid; two soldiers killed -- FOX News
2 French soldiers killed while freeing 4 kidnapped tourists in Burkina Faso -- RT

Suspected Islamists Kill 6 Christians In church Attack In Burkina Faso

BBC: Burkina Faso: Christians killed in attack on church

Gunmen have opened fire on a church in northern Burkina Faso, killing at least six people, officials say.

The attackers reportedly arrived on seven motorbikes at the end of Sunday's service and killed the pastor, two of his sons and three other worshippers.

It is the first attack on a church since jihadist violence erupted in the West African country in 2016.

Fighters affiliated to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group as well as the local Ansarul Islam have been active.

Read more ....

More News On Yesterday's Church Attack In Burkina Faso

Pastor among victims of deadly raid on Burkina Faso church -- France 24
Gunmen kill pastor, worshippers in Burkina Faso church -- DW
Six killed in church attack in northern Burkina Faso -- Reuters
At least 5 killed in suspected jihadist attack on Burkina Faso church – reports -- RT

Chaos In Burkina Faso As The Government Resigns And The Security Situation In The Country Deteriorates

The National: Burkina Faso government resigns as security deteriorates

Meanwhile two westerners missing in the west African country are believed to be alive

Burkina Faso's government and Prime Minister Paul Kaba Thieba stood down on Friday, according to a statement released by the country's president.

No explanation was given for the resignations, though sources told AFP President Roch Marc Christian Kabore wants to breathe new life into the leadership of the landlocked west African country, which is battling a rising wave of militant attacks and hostage-taking.

Canadian Edith Blais, 34, and her Italian partner Luca Tacchetto, 30, have been missing since mid-December, and late Wednesday a Canadian geologist kidnapped by suspected militants was found dead at a remote gold mine in the northeast.

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WNU Editor: This is becoming the new normal in the country .... Five dead in Burkina clashes after shooting (AFP).

More News On Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso: Prime Minister and cabinet resign from office -- BBC
Burkina Faso's prime minister and government resign -- News 24
Burkina Faso Goverment Resigns as Security Threat Escalates -- Bloomberg
Burkina prime minister and 30 others resign -- News 24

The Security Situation Worsens In Burkina Faso

Reuters: Ethnic clashes kill 13 in Burkina Faso as security worsens

OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - Thirteen civilians have been killed in ethnic violence in central Burkina Faso, the government said on Wednesday, echoing a rise in inter-communal conflicts in neighboring Mali linked to Islamist violence.

Burkina has seen a spike in Islamist attacks in recent months as jihadists seek to increase their influence across the Sahel. On Dec. 31, the government declared a state of emergency in several northern provinces bordering Mali.

Attacks this week show how that violence may be fuelling ethnic clashes for the first time in Burkina.

Read more ....

Previous Post: Burkina Faso Declares Partial State Of Emergency Following Islamist Attacks (December 31, 2018)

WNU Editor: The government does not appear to be equipped to deal with the Islamist militants that are coming in from Mali and Niger.