un committee denounces severe human rights abuses against peuls in Burkina Faso

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has expressed profound alarm regarding the severe human rights abuses endured by the Peul population in Burkina Faso.

In its concluding observations on the report presented by Ouagadougou in Geneva on April 22-23, the Committee detailed that « these violations are reportedly often perpetrated by national armed forces, internal security forces, and their auxiliaries, notably the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland, as well as by non-state armed groups. » The independent experts also voiced concerns over the « ethnic profiling » of Peuls by defense and security forces, the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland, and members of the Civic Brigade for Order and Discipline (known as “Brigade Laabal”). A key concern for the Committee is that these grave human rights violations against the Peuls are frequently linked to their alleged association with terrorist groups.

a climate of hostility and ethnic targeting

This stigmatization is exacerbated by a pervasive atmosphere of hostility and discriminatory rhetoric, manifesting as calls for violence and messages inciting crimes against Peuls, particularly across social media platforms. The Committee specifically highlighted messages circulated online that advocate for « committing criminal acts, including murders, against members of this group, which contributes to the occurrence of racist attacks and hate crimes. » These inflammatory statements and incitements to violence underscore the urgent need for state intervention to prevent further abuses.

Consequently, the Committee urges Ouagadougou to promptly initiate thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into all violations attributed to the defense and security forces and their associated auxiliaries. It strongly insists that those responsible be prosecuted, tried, and appropriately sanctioned.

Beyond punitive measures, the Committee also stresses the importance of legal and preventive actions to avert any ethnic or racial discrimination. It recommends that the Burkinabè state explicitly incorporate into its legislation a prohibition against racial or ethnic profiling, defined in accordance with international standards. The Committee emphasizes the necessity of clear and binding operational directives for police and law enforcement agencies to prevent profiling during identity checks, public order interventions, or military and security operations.

Ouagadougou disputes the allegations

The release of these final observations and recommendations from the Committee comes as Burkina Faso defends itself against the accusations, asserting that its security operations adhere to legal frameworks and do not target any specific community.

According to Ambassador Sabine Bakyono Kanzie, Burkina Faso’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, the counter-terrorism effort is not directed at any particular community. She stated, « It is conducted in strict compliance with Burkina Faso’s national laws and international human rights commitments. »

Ambassador Kanzie further disputed the claims of ethnic profiling, contending that they do not reflect the reality on the ground. Ouagadougou maintains that its security operations are carried out without discrimination and with full respect for human rights. The Burkinabè delegation highlighted existing complaint mechanisms, community policing initiatives, and training programs for defense and security forces designed to prevent any form of stigmatization. They also emphasized that this commitment to diversity is evident at the highest echelons of the state and within the defense forces, confirming the representation of various communities, including the Peuls.