Burkina Faso and the war against terrorism

Over 74% of Burkina Faso's territory has been "recovered, pacified, and secured": Minister The percentage of controlled territory within the country increased from 73.56% in December 2025 to 74.53% as of June 30, 2026, declared Célestin Simporé, Burkina Faso's Minister of War and Patriotic Defense. "There is no part of our territory that our defense and security forces cannot reach. We can go anywhere, and we do," he emphasized. These advances have facilitated the gradual return of the population and public administration to the recaptured areas, the minister highlighted. It is one of the most intense and deadly conflicts in the Sahel. Since around 2015, the country has been a target for jihadist groups, primarily the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM (Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin) and the Islamic State in the Sahel (formerly ISGS, now often referred to as ISSP/IS Sahel). The military junta under Captain Ibrahim Traoré is pursuing an uncompromising "total war" strategy. Official reports speak of progress in recapturing territory: Large-scale military operations are regularly reported. A major offensive in late June/early July 2026 was particularly highlighted. Following coordinated attacks on positions in Gayéri, Solhan, and Sebba (East and Northeast Burkina Faso), the National Armed Forces (FAN) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) reported the neutralization of over 400 terrorists. Hundreds of motorcycles, weapons, and communication equipment were captured. At the same time, there were losses on the ground (at least three soldiers in this operation) and further serious attacks, such as the one in early July that left dozens of soldiers and VDPs dead. The justice system is also taking active measures: In the first half of 2026, 76 terrorism cases involving 97 defendants were tried – resulting in several life sentences, long prison terms, and asset confiscations. Despite the reported successes, the situation remains fragile. JNIM continues to carry out complex attacks, including on bases and in more urban areas. The violence has immense humanitarian consequences (hundreds of thousands to over 2 million internally displaced persons in previous years). Independent observers (e.g., Crisis Group, ACLED) point out that this is a war of attrition and that the progress made by the state is often overestimated. Furthermore, there are allegations of serious human rights violations by security forces and VDPs. JNIM continues to carry out complex attacks, including on bases and in more urban areas. Burkina Faso was, at times in 2023/2024, the country with the highest number of terrorism-related deaths worldwide. The violence is spreading to the coastal states of West Africa (Benin, Togo, etc.).