A Burkina Faso court handed down three life sentences Tuesday in connection with the 2018 terrorist attacks on the French embassy and the military headquarters in Ouagadougou.
Eight people were on trial for their roles in the attacks, which killed eight people and injured 85. The court found three of the defendants guilty of terrorism and murder, and sentenced them to life in prison. Two other defendants were acquitted, and the remaining three were given prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years.
The attacks were carried out by a group who claimed allegiance to al-Qaeda. The attackers detonated a car bomb outside the French embassy, and then attacked the military headquarters with guns and grenades.
The trial of the eight defendants began in January 2025. During the trial, the defendants admitted their involvement in the attacks. Some of the defendants apologised for their actions, while others denied their involvement.
The court found the three defendants who were sentenced to life in prison to be the masterminds of the attacks.
The other defendants were found guilty of providing support to the attackers.
The French embassy declined to comment on the verdict.
HO/te/sf/lb/as/APA