Burkina Faso: Militia and villagers clash in Sanguié province May 18

Event

Members of the Koglweogo self-defense group reportedly clashed with locals in Tialgo, Sanguié province, a village located roughly 100 km (60 mi) from the capital Ouagadougou on Thursday, May 18. The Koglweogo members reportedly came to the village to levy fines when clashes broke out with angry residents opposed to the actions of the self-defense militia. At least five people were killed during clashes, including three members of the militia, and ten others were injured. A number of local residents were also allegedly held hostage for multiple days. A curfew has reportedly been implemented in Tialgo and a ban on all self-defense group activities has been put in place in Boulkiemdé and Sanguié provinces until further notice. Instructions were reportedly given to security forces to ensure the protection of the population and private property.

Context

The Koglweogo self-defense militias created by villagers and urban residents are known to operate where security forces are absent in order to combat thieves and highway bandits.  These self-defense militias have their own penal code and are known for their controversial methods of interrogation; suspects arrested by the Koglweogo are often tied and suspended from trees, tortured, and whipped until they issue a confession and pay a fine for their release.

Public opinion remains divided on these self-defense groups. In order to better oversee their activities, the Minister of Security has suggested integrating them into local security initiatives. In the meantime, Compaoré has banned militia members from carrying weapons without authorization. The recent clashes serve as a reminder of the changing nature of violence in the country as militias go beyond their self-imposed mandate of protecting civilians.

Advice

Indiviuals present in Burkina Faso, especially in the provinces of Boukiemdé and Sanguié, are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by government authorities.

On a separate note, due to the serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. A number of Western governments advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Niangoloko line. Nonessential travel to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso and border regions of Tapoa province is also advised against due to unstable security conditions along the borders.