Once highly regarded for its religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, Burkina Faso is being ravaged by attacks linked to Islamist militants, local defence militias and the army. Violence is rising – this year, almost 1,800 people had been killed as of August – prompting one million people to flee their homes and leaving 11,000 facing famine.
Instability began in 2014 after dictatorial President Blaise Compaoré was ousted after 27 years in power. When his special forces were disbanded, it left a power vacuum and an army that was ill-equipped to quell the spread of jihadist militant groups that spilled over from neighbouring Mali, exploiting existing grievances over land and resources in marginalized communities.
