Episode description

“More than ever, the people of Burkina Faso need to remain united around the defence and security forces.”

A video showing scores of civilians shot dead in the ditches they were digging - was released by an Al Qaeda-linked group active in Burkina Faso earlier this week. It was apparent proof of a major attack it said it had conducted in the northern village of Barsalogho on Saturday.

It’s believed at least 100 people were killed, but the government hasn’t confirmed numbers. But what is clear is that it’s one of the worst attacks by Jihadist fighters the country has ever suffered.

The government often doesn’t acknowledge such attacks, but this time ministers were filmed visiting victims in hospital. They condemned the attack and called on the public to support the army in its fight against the insurgency. The leader of the military regime, Ibrahim Traore, came to power in a coup in 2022 promising to reconquer all rebel held areas - and last year declared a "general mobilisation" of the population.

But will this attack make civilians even more fearful of aiding the military?

Presenter: Alan @Kasujja Guest: Beverly Ochieng, senior analyst with Control Risks.