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Prompt investigation into mass deaths in Burkina Faso

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, has urged authorities to carry out a prompt and transparent investigation into the deaths of at least 28 individuals in north-west Burkina Faso last month.

The incident occurred in the Nouna town, which is a predominately ethnic Fulani and Muslim community. Türk has urged the government to deliver a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, and to hold all responsible accountable without any bias based on their rank. He also said that the victims and their families deserve justice.

Local human rights groups have stated that the volunteer militias that are associated with the Burkina Faso army were responsible for the killing of several Fulani civilians, including children. People from the Fulani community have lately become targets of the military and local defence militias due to their suspected acts of supporting Islamic extremists.

The UN human rights office has highlighted that Türk had already raised several concerns about alleged abuses related to the recruitment, armed forces, and deployment of auxiliaries in Burkina Faso. There is a pressing need to undertake stringent vetting procedures, comprehensive pre-deployment training related to human rights and international humanitarian laws, and effective supervision by security and defence forces. It is also necessary to guarantee inclusivity and transparency while recruiting.

The news of the death of innocent civilians has shaken the entire world. People are demanding that justice is served as soon as possible, and the victims receive retribution. It is crucial that the investigation is carried out without any biases and that the guilty parties are brought to justice. Only then can the families of the victims feel that their loved ones have not been forgotten, and their deaths are not in vain.

Note: Copy-edited by Courage