Convoy Attack in Burkina Faso Leaves Dozens Dead and Dozens More Injured
In a deadly blow to civilians traveling in a supply convoy, at least 35 people were killed and 37 others were wounded when a hand-made explosive device detonated near a vehicle in the convoy. Local authorities confirmed the toll and stressed that all the victims were civilians. The report is attributed to Rodolphe Sorgho, governor of the Sahel region, with details provided by the Burkina Faso Information Agency (AIB). [Citation: Burkina Faso Information Agency]
The attack occurred as a convoy of civilian vehicles moved in a supply route escorted by military forces. The convoy was en route from Djibo, a northern town, toward Ouagadougou, the nation’s capital. Witnesses described a scene of sudden violence as the improvised explosive device detonated upon contact with a vehicle in the line of travel, bringing chaos to the roadway and disrupting a critical lifeline for communities dependent on regular supply deliveries. [Citation: Burkina Faso Information Agency]
According to the reporting, several other northern towns have experienced blockages affecting supply lines for weeks or months, complicating efforts to sustain essential goods and services in the region. Cities such as Djibo, Titao, and Pama have faced ongoing supply challenges due to security disruptions and militant activity, underscoring the fragility of transport corridors in the Sahel. The incident underscores the broader security pressures facing northern Burkina Faso and the impact on civilians who rely on these convoys for daily necessities. [Citation: Burkina Faso Information Agency]
In a national address on the same weekend, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba reaffirmed the government’s resolve to confront the armed groups operating in the area. The message highlighted ongoing security operations, renewed commitments to protect civilians, and reinforcement plans for aid and supply routes historically used to support northern communities. [Citation: Burkina Faso Information Agency]