Burkina Faso’s government has declared three days of national mourning beginning Tuesday for at least 50 civilians killed over the weekend in the country’s north.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, the country’s military leader, issued the decree for national mourning late on Monday.
On Monday, the government said that over 50 civilians had been killed in the attack by “unidentified armed men” in Northern Burkina Faso and warned that the toll may rise.
The United Nations condemned the attack that “claimed many victims” in a statement on Monday and called on authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.
Flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings and all Burkina Faso missions abroad during the mourning period. Celebrations and recreational activities are also prohibited during this time.
The raid is a major setback for the military government, which came to power by accusing the elected government of failing to address insurgents insecurity.
The conflict, which is also affecting large areas of Mali and Niger, is displacing rural communities and contributing to a severe food shortage.