Attack on MSF Office in Djibo
The Médecins sans frontières (MSF) office in Djibo, located in the northern region of Burkina Faso, was targeted by gunfire on Wednesday, July 17th, during an “attack” on this town that has been surrounded by jihadist groups for almost two years, as announced by the NGO on Thursday. The organization reported, “The MSF office was subjected to repeated gunfire […] during an attack on the city of Djibo that took place at dawn.” According to MSF, visible bullet impacts were found on the building, medical structures supported by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with MSF, and a water distribution site were vandalized. Thankfully, the teams and patients of MSF are reported to be safe. MSF calls for the “respect of humanitarian space” and “condemns this violence” without providing further details on the attack.
Situation in Djibo
Djibo, situated near the area known as the “three borders” between Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, where jihadist groups operate, has been under siege by these groups for almost two years. It receives supplies through escorted truck convoys that are sometimes attacked. MSF emphasizes that “local and displaced populations are the main victims of insecurity and violence” in the region.
Political Landscape in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is currently under military rule led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power through a coup in September 2022, promising to restore security in a country targeted by jihadists for almost a decade. Despite authorities not disclosing details of jihadist attacks for months, they claim occasional victories, although parts of the country remain outside the military’s control.
Alliance of Sahel States
Burkina Faso, alongside its neighbors Mali and Niger, also facing attacks and ruled by military regimes ascended through coups, have come together to form a confederation known as the Alliance of the Sahel States (AES). This alliance has distanced itself from France and turned towards new allies, such as Russia.
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