Burkina Faso’s military authorities have been accused of misusing an emergency law to unlawfully conscript magistrates who have opened legal proceedings against junta supporters. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the recent conscriptions, which are part of the junta’s growing repression of dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents.
Between August 9 and 12, 2024, at least seven magistrates, including prosecutors and judges, were notified by telephone that they had been conscripted to participate in government security operations against Islamist armed groups in Kaya, Sanmatenga province. Six of them reported to a military base in Ouagadougou on August 14 and have not been heard from since, according to judicial sources.
Human Rights Watch’s senior Sahel researcher, Ilaria Allegrozzi, condemned the actions of the Burkinabè junta, stating that forcing prosecutors involved in legal proceedings against junta supporters into military service is a clear attempt to silence dissent. The authorities have justified the conscription orders under a „general mobilization“ plan aimed at recapturing territory lost to Islamist armed groups.
However, a court in Bobo-Dioulasso ruled that the requisition orders of two magistrates from the city were illegal and violated fundamental freedoms. The Burkinabè magistrates‘ unions have also spoken out against the conscriptions, describing them as acts of humiliation and intimidation.
Among those targeted by the conscription orders are magistrates handling cases involving junta supporters implicated in illegal activities. The junta’s actions have been criticized by Human Rights Watch, which has documented the use of unlawful conscription to silence dissent and the abduction of government critics and dissidents.
Several journalists and activists have gone missing in recent months, with some believed to have been abducted by individuals claiming to be working for the intelligence services. The junta’s crackdown on dissent has raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the independence of the justice system in Burkina Faso.
While governments have the authority to conscript civilians for national defense, the use of conscription for politically motivated purposes violates international human rights standards. Human Rights Watch has called on the Burkinabè junta to respect the independence of the justice system and stop using conscriptions to silence dissent.
In conclusion, the situation in Burkina Faso highlights the challenges faced by those seeking to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights in the face of authoritarian regimes. The international community must continue to monitor the situation and hold the junta accountable for its actions.