The government responded by summoning diplomats from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Following a joint statement by the US and UK echoing HRW’s accusations of civilian massacres, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires and sent a formal complaint to the UK High Commission.
The West African country expressed surprise that the US and UK, known for their emphasis on evidence, would react based on a report with “hasty conclusions.”
In an April report, HRW accused Burkina Faso’s military of killing civilians in the north during February 2024.
The transitional government vehemently denied the accusations, calling them “unfounded” and intended to discredit their forces. They emphasized their commitment to a judicial investigation launched in March and respect for human rights.
Burkina Faso’s authorities have suspended several international media outlets, including APA, for covering the HRW report.
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