Civilians In Burkina Faso Protest Over Insecurity After Deadly Attacks

Several thousands of people demonstrated on Wednesday in Diapaga, eastern Burkina Faso to demand "more security" three days after a deadly attack on a neighbouring town whose death toll remains unknown.

SOS, "We also have the right to life," and "What is our fault for being abandoned?" could be seen written on the many signs carried by the protesters as they marched through the streets of Diapaga, a town in the Tapoa province.

According to locals and a security source, suspected jihadists attacked the town of Partiaga in this province on Sunday, killing several people.

The governor of the region, Hubert Yameogo, said an assessment would be drawn up "as soon as possible".

He added that the "terrorists cowardly attacked civilians, ransacked and set fire to material goods".

Residents claim that the Burkinabe military left the town before the attack.

Wednesday's demonstration aims to "denounce the inaction of the authorities during the Partiaga tragedy and demand protection and more security for all," according to one of the protesters, Issa Lankoandé.

"We cannot be abandoned to the wrath of the terrorist hordes because we are Burkinabe citizens", he continued.

Since the beginning of the year, jihadist violence in Burkina Faso has increased, resulting in dozens of deaths—both soldiers and civilians—almost every week.

The army reported a "provisional death toll" of 51 last week in connection with an ambush that took place on February 17 in the country's far north and targeted soldiers.

Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took control in a coup in late September 2022, this attack has killed more people than any other.

Additionally, on Monday, security sources reported the deaths of at least 15 soldiers, this time in the north, close to the Malian border.

According to NGOs, the violence has resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 civilians and soldiers since 2015 and the displacement of about two million people.