Reported Coup in Burkina Faso Poses Threat to Civilians

By Alexandra Lamarche | January 24, 2022

Please see below statement from Refugees International Senior Advocate for West and Central Africa Alexandra Lamarche:

“Refugees International is deeply alarmed by the reported coup d’état in Burkina Faso and the threat it poses to civilians. The military’s takeover of the government could have severe impacts on Burkina Faso’s population, of whom 3.5 million are already in need of humanitarian assistance and 1.7 million are displaced.

Amid worsening conflict since 2018, members of Burkina Faso’s military have been accused of committing atrocities including murder, rape, torture, and violent persecution based on ethnic and religious grounds. The country’s military and police force are responsible for the majority of civilian deaths in the country. And displaced citizens have increasingly cited the military as the reason they fled their homes. The military’s takeover does not bode well for the people of Burkina Faso.

Meanwhile, the ongoing violence and impacts of climate change continue to disrupt the country’s farming and trade. Refugees International is deeply concerned that the coup could further destabilize the production and availability of food.

Refugees International calls on international donors to swiftly increase funding to ensure aid groups can respond to the expected increase in displacement, food insecurity, and humanitarian needs.”

For more information or to arrange an interview with Alexandra, please contact Refugees International Director of Communications Sarah Sheffer at ssheffer@refugeesinternational.org or +1 202 540 7029.

PHOTO BANNER CAPTION: An aerial view shows the Koum-Lakre school, located in Kaya’s outskirts, where thousands of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) have taken up residence. (Photo by OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT/AFP via Getty Images)