According to Human Rights Watch, three drone strikes conducted by the Burkina Faso military between August and November 2023 resulted in the deaths of at least 60 civilians and injured many others.
These strikes, which the government claimed were aimed at Islamist militants, hit two bustling markets and a crowded funeral in Burkina Faso and Mali.
The organization has stated that these strikes potentially constitute war crimes, as they indiscriminately targeted civilians and military personnel, violating laws of war.
Human Rights Watch has urged the Burkinabè government to conduct independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into these incidents. They recommend appropriate prosecution of those responsible and sufficient compensation for the victims and their families.
Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch, criticized the Burkina Faso military for using precise weaponry to attack large groups of people, resulting in numerous civilian deaths.
From September to November, Human Rights Watch conducted interviews with 30 individuals, including 23 witnesses of the strikes and 7 members from domestic and international NGOs.
They also examined 11 photographs and a video provided by witnesses, as well as 3 online videos and satellite imagery of the attack sites.
Despite sharing their findings and specific questions in a letter to the Burkinabè justice minister on December 20, the organization did not receive a response.
The strikes were conducted using Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, acquired by the Burkinabè military in 2022. These drones are capable of precise surveillance and targeting and can carry up to four MAM-L laser-guided bombs.
Human Rights Watch documented the casualties and damages, noting they were consistent with the effects of these munitions used in crowded areas.
In contrast, government-controlled media outlets reported that the attacks successfully targeted Islamist fighters, without acknowledging any civilian casualties.
