The military leadership in Burkina Faso has announced the extension of emergency measures aimed at combating violence by militants for another year.
Under the original decree, individuals over the age of 18 who are deemed physically capable could be summoned for duty. Additionally, the decree allowed for the restriction of people’s rights and freedoms and sanctioned the formation of local defence groups.
Observers note instances where critics of Burkina Faso’s military leaders have been forcibly abducted and conscripted to assist in the fight against militants.
Since 2015, over two million people have been displaced due to the escalation of violence in the country.