This is according to a report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) this Monday.

The report comes as the country reels from another wave of deadly attacks over the weekend, which left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead. The fresh violence highlights the continuing instability in the Sahel nation, where armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State maintain a strong presence.

Roughly 40% of Burkina Faso’s territory is currently under the control of these insurgent factions, despite repeated pledges by the military-led government to restore order and reclaim affected areas. The insurgency, now in its eighth year, has forced millions from their homes and cost thousands of lives.

HRW has previously raised concerns over the conduct of government forces, alleging that soldiers were involved in unlawful killings during military operations. The latest findings appear to support those claims, further raising alarm among rights groups and international observers.

--ChannelAfrica--