Burkina Faso’s military government recently expelled the top United Nations representative in the country following a UN report that revealed the recruitment of children by armed groups and government-backed forces in the ongoing jihadist conflict. The report highlighted serious violations against minors, including recruitment, killings, rape, and attacks on schools and hospitals. While most of the abuses were linked to jihadist groups like JNIM and ISGS, a significant number were also attributed to Burkina Faso’s own defence and security forces.
This is not the first time a UN official has been expelled from the country, as a similar incident occurred in 2022. The country has been grappling with jihadist insurgencies for over a decade, with the military junta promising to restore security after seizing power in 2022. However, escalating violence has proven challenging to contain, resulting in the deaths of over 26,000 people, both civilians and soldiers.
The expulsion of the UN official underscores the complexities and challenges faced in addressing the conflict in Burkina Faso.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.