Burkina Faso’s military junta is set to prolong a “general mobilisation” initiated to counter insurgent attacks.
Captain Ibrahim Traore, the transitional president following a 2022 coup, instituted this measure last April, granting authorities the authority to conscript individuals aged 18 and above if necessary.
Since 2015, the West African nation has endured an insurgency originating from neighbouring Mali.
The conflict has resulted in numerous civilian, military, and police casualties, with two million individuals displaced from their homes. Mounting dissatisfaction within the military over the escalating casualties led to two coups in 2022.
A decree, due to expire on April 18, will be extended by a year “to reinforce achievements and sustain efforts against terrorism within our borders,” the decree stated.
It also allows for the organisation of local defence units under the supervision of defence and security forces to safeguard villages from various threats, including terrorist groups.
Furthermore, the decree outlines the possibility of restricting individual and collective rights and freedoms in certain circumstances. There have been reports of kidnappings targeting individuals perceived as hostile to the military regime.
