Islamist insurgency in Burkina Faso

Uncommon card · No. 83412

Since August 2015, an insurgency has been fought between the government of Burkina Faso and Islamist militant groups, including Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), Ansarul Islam and the Islamic State – Sahel Province (IS–SP). It is estimated that 30% of the country is controlled by jihadist forces. The insurgency originated in the northern area of Burkina Faso amid the broader Mali war, and has grown to affect most of the country. The conflict intensified after 2016, when Ansarul Islam carried out large scaled attacks in northern Burkina Faso, causing violence to spread into the eastern and central regions. Islamic groups have targeted military bases, civilians, schools, religious leaders and local officials, while government forces and allied militias have been accused of extrajudicial killings and ethnic reprisals, particularly against Fulani communities. The insurgency has contributed to intercommunal violence and ongoing humanitarian crisis. This led to two military coups...

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