The United Nations has called for an urgent investigation into the recent “mass killings” in Burkina Faso, which occurred on November 5 in the town of Zaongo.
The attack, confirmed by Burkina Faso’s state prosecutor, resulted in the tragic deaths of over 70 individuals, predominantly children and the elderly.
Expressing deep concern, the UN’s rights office is closely monitoring the situation in the West African country.
Liz Throssell, the UN spokeswoman, emphasized the need for a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation by the transitional authorities.
While the official count stands at 70 deaths, there are reports suggesting that the toll may be as high as 100, with numerous others injured.
The incident, marked by the destruction of properties and the forced evacuation of villagers, has prompted Save the Children to call for an immediate inquiry.
Benoit Delsarte, the director of Save the Children in Burkina Faso, underscored the impact of such violence on children and insisted that those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable.
Burkina Faso is grappling with a jihadist insurgency originating from neighboring Mali in 2015, resulting in over 17,000 casualties and displacing two million people.
The country is currently under the governance of a transitional government established after a September 2022 coup.
UN spokeswoman Throssell acknowledged the challenges in identifying the perpetrators due to security concerns and limited access to the affected area.
Emphasizing the importance of determining accountability, she stressed the necessity for fair and transparent trials to ensure justice for the victims.
The UN’s call for a comprehensive investigation echoes the collective plea for accountability and justice in the face of this tragic event.
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