Burkina Faso’s military has launched an investigation following the circulation of a disturbing video showing individuals in army uniforms mutilating a human body. On Sunday, the country’s general staff confirmed that it has tasked relevant departments with verifying the video’s authenticity, location, and those involved.
“The relevant departments have been asked to determine the authenticity and origin of this video, as well as the identities of the individuals concerned, so that they can be held accountable for their actions, if the facts are proven,” read the military’s statement.
The video, which does not indicate any specific location, date, or identifiable individuals, comes months after previous footage showed similar scenes.
In July, Burkina Faso’s military condemned such actions as violating military ethics, pointing to suspicions that soldiers or civilian auxiliaries may have been involved. Burkina’s fellow junta-led Mali has faced similar issues, recently distancing itself from videos showing acts of mutilation by men in military attire.
“This unspeakable act is contrary to the military and moral values inculcated in armed forces personnel…. and transgresses the rules of engagement for units in the field,” stated the Burkina Faso military, adding that all operations to restore national security are conducted with respect for human rights.
Human rights organisations have often accused Burkina Faso’s army of extrajudicial actions, which the military denies, occasionally blaming insurgents disguised in military gear. In April, Human Rights Watch reported alleged army executions of 223 civilians, including 56 children, in the country’s north.
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been gripped by escalating violence from militant groups tied to al-Qaeda and ISIS. Over 26,000 lives have been lost, and more than two million people have been displaced due to the conflict.
