Source : Sahel weather Novembre 2024 

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At the beginning of November, the case of the two kidnapped lawyers resurfaced. In the last issue of Météo Sahel, it was reported that they had been kidnapped on October 10 on the RN1 towards Bobo. They are finally free to move after spending almost a month in the hands of terrorists. This case of kidnapping greatly worried the population, who were already terrified by the endemic insecurity in many parts of the country. With the multitude of terrorist attacks, the leaders of the transition seem to be tightening up the legal provisions. Indeed, the death penalty, which had been abolished by the civilian authorities under Kaboré in 2018, is resurfacing and is likely to be reinstated in Burkinabe legislation. According to the Minister of Justice, Rodrigue Bayala, discussions are underway and the issue should be included in the draft reform of the penal code. For the moment, the contours of this project have not yet been defined by the authorities. Many human rights organizations that have fought for the definitive abolition of the death penalty see this decision as a step backwards. 

Aware of the porous nature of borders and the cross-border nature of terrorism, Ouagadougou and Cotonou have joined forces to tackle the persistent threat. Indeed, the two countries have pledged to strengthen their collaboration to counter the terrorist threat in their border regions. Speaking to the press, Burkina Faso's Minister of Defense noted that “this collaboration is a direct response to the concerns of citizens”. They will deploy joint security measures and share intelligence to better combat the phenomenon. For months now, terrorist attacks have continued to disturb the peace and quiet of the population. 

The authorities are still determined to do battle with these “thugs” and reclaim lost territory. Addressing the nation on November 4 at the solemn raising of the colors, Captain Ibrahima Traoré reminded everyone that “the period of awareness-raising is over, and the time has come to act rigorously”, while solemnly calling on citizens to adopt a culture of denunciation. In the Sahel region of Burkina Faso and in villages in the east of the country, several terrorists have been killed by army air strikes. 

Meanwhile, the national army undertook a major operation between November 14 and 20, which resulted in heavy losses among the ranks of the terrorist groups. Meanwhile, on November 6, several terrorists were neutralized in Priwé and Daboura in the Banwa province. Weapons and combat equipment were also seized on the same occasion, according to the Burkinabe press agency.

Burkina Faso is still under security pressure, despite the actions of the new authorities, who have made the fight against terrorism their priority. During the month of November, villages in the Solenzo area suffered terrorist attacks of rare violence, resulting in several deaths. In response to the lack of security in the area, the local population expressed their anger on November 25, demanding a return to calm from the authorities. They felt that the FDS were not very present at their side to ensure their safety. Another demonstration had taken place a few days earlier, on November 19, in the north-east of the country to demand “reinforced” security and “supplies” for two communes under jihadist blockade. These were Sebba and Solhan, which have been living in the presence of terror-spreading terrorist groups for over a year. 

On another front, 15 officers have been disbarred for attempting to destabilize the country, including former president Damiba, who was overthrown by the current regime. The latter is currently in Togo, along with his alleged “accomplices”, accused of “connivance with a foreign power” or “terrorist groups aiming to destabilize Burkina Faso” and of “seriously undermining the dignity of military personnel”. These accusations could speed up the process of his extradition to the country and his trial for these serious offences against state security.
In addition, the government has deemed it necessary to freeze the assets and economic resources of over a hundred individuals and legal entities, and to impose a renewable 6-month ban on leaving the country. These measures concern former president Damiba and several personalities and private-sector players “close” to the former regime. In this case, which has shaken the web, the FDS are said to have refused a large sum of money disbursed to destabilize the government. During the month, a man tried to bribe members of the armed forces with a briefcase containing 5 billion CFA francs, and was finally arrested and interrogated. The money was paid into the public treasury.

In terms of security cooperation, Burkina Faso is resolutely turning towards Russia, thus turning its back on its traditional partners in military cooperation. According to the head of Burkina Faso's diplomacy, Russia is the best choice for the Burkinabe people, given the prospects in the context of growing insecurity.