Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – (African Boulevard News) – The death toll from the Karma ‘massacre’ in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region has risen to 136, according to a non-governmental organization. The group added that there are at least a dozen more casualties in other villages such as Lemnogo, Kerga, and Ramdolah.
The attack took place on April 17 in the village of Karma where unidentified gunmen stormed the area, killing dozens of people, leaving the village in shock and despair. The death toll has steadily risen over the past week as more bodies are discovered, including those in neighboring areas.
The humanitarian situation in the area is dire as many people flee their homes seeking safety. The group’s spokesperson condemned the attack, stating that “these attacks on innocent civilians are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible”. The group has called on the government to take action to protect civilians in the region.
Burkina Faso has been plagued by extremist violence that has left hundreds of people dead and thousands displaced over the past few years. The attack in Karma is just the latest in a series of deadly incidents in the Sahel region, which has been hit hard by jihadist attacks, ethnic clashes, and communal violence.
The government has been struggling to contain the violence, despite the deployment of thousands of troops to the region. The security forces have been accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests, which has worsened the situation on the ground.
The UN has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, with a senior official warning that the situation could spiral out of control if urgent action is not taken. The UN has called on the government to address the underlying causes of the conflict, including poverty, inequality, and governance issues.
The attack on Karma highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the security situation in the region. The government must take concrete steps to protect civilians and address the root causes of the conflict. The international community must also support the government in its efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.
In conclusion, the Karma ‘massacre’ in Burkina Faso is a tragic reminder of the ongoing violence and instability in the Sahel region. The government must take urgent action to protect civilians and address the root causes of the conflict. The international community must also step up its efforts to support the government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.