Burkina Faso’s armed forces have launched an investigation into a disturbing video that appears to show military volunteers using machetes to hack apart a dead body, while making boastful remarks to the camera. The military’s general staff stated that efforts are underway to verify the authenticity of the video and identify those responsible for the actions depicted.
The video, which surfaced over the weekend, shows a dismembered corpse with the head and arms severed and the stomach cut open. In the footage, men speak in Burkina Faso’s Dioula language, claiming victory and expressing support for the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), an armed community militia that has been integrated into the national defense since 2020.
The video has sparked outrage, especially considering the ongoing conflict in the Sahel region, where Burkina Faso’s military government has been battling Islamist insurgents for nearly three years. Despite promises to address insecurity, around 40% of the country remains under control of armed groups. The video’s release comes amid a history of similar footage showing alleged atrocities committed by government-affiliated forces, including a widely condemned incident in July.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the military’s conduct, including reports of massacres and extrajudicial killings. Despite these accusations, the Burkina Faso military insists that its operations are conducted with respect for human rights.
The government’s controversial alignment with Russia, following the expulsion of French troops in 2022, has further complicated international relations. As security continues to deteriorate, Burkina Faso’s foreign minister recently praised Russia as a more reliable partner than France, signaling a shift in regional alliances.
