EU expresses concern over deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso

KIGALI, Rwanda

The European Union expressed deep concern Wednesday over the deteriorating security situation in the West African country of Burkina Faso following a recent large-scale terrorist attack.

The concerns were raised days after hundreds of people, mainly civilians, were killed in Barsalogho in the country’s north-central region last weekend.

An unofficial toll indicates that nearly 200 people including civilians and members of security forces were reportedly killed in the attack and about 300 wounded.

The government has yet to issue an official statement on the number of casualties.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. But local media suggested that it was carried out by elements linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of the Daesh/ISIS terror group.

“The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack carried out by JNIM on Aug. 24 in Barsalogho. This new large-scale attack has caused hundreds of victims, mainly civilians,” the EU said in a statement.

“The EU expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating security situation in the country and in the sub-region. It encourages all efforts to counter these cycles of violence and prevent any escalation.”

Mali’s military leader Assimi Goita said nothing will undermine their firm determination to continue the common fight against terrorism in the region within the framework of their recent formation the Confederation of Sahel States.

Burkina Faso, ruled by a military junta, has been battling an insurgency that spread from neighboring Mali over the past decade. The violence, which has driven thousands of people out of their homes, is linked to Daesh/ISIS.