Burkina Faso rejects Human Rights Watch's 'fake' claims of mass killings
The Burkinabe authorities says the fight against terrorism is conducted in strict compliance with national laws and international commitments regarding human rights.
The government of Burkina Faso rejects a report published on April 2, 2026, by the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) on the human rights situation in the country, government spokesperson Gilbert Ouédraogo says in a statement.
Human Rights Watch had, in the report, claimed the government and allied forces have killed more than twice as many civilians as terrorists have since taking power in 2023.
The government called HWR’s publication "a fake report" and "a tissue of conjecture and serious unfounded allegations of which Human Rights Watch is accustomed", according to Ouédraogo.
The government added it is “not at all surprised by the actions of this so-called NGO, which is totally disconnected from the realities on the ground and has neither an office nor representation in Burkina Faso."
‘Fanciful stories’
Ouédraogo also accused Human Rights Watch of regularly relaying "allegations from chosen individuals, who receive subsidies from it, in exchange for providing it with something to fuel its imaginary and fanciful stories".
HRW has not reacted to the Burkinabe government's comments.
The Burkinabe authorities say they note "methodological shortcomings" of HRW, which, according to them, aim to "demonise Burkinabe patriots and our valiant fighting forces to make them appear in the eyes of international opinion as predators of human rights in order to satisfy the sinister designs that imperialism harbours against our country".
The government further added it “strongly emphasises that the intrepid Burkinabe fighters have always fought professionally and that their commitment is first and foremost based on the preservation of life, the protection of human rights and the defense of vulnerable populations," the government spokesperson maintained.
Ouédraogo stressed the fight against terrorism is an absolute national priority and that it is conducted in strict compliance with national laws as well as Burkina Faso's international commitments regarding human rights.