In Burkina Faso, the rise of Islamist extremism has led to the formation of pro-government militias as civilians feel compelled to defend themselves. These militias, while initially filled with hope after the military coup led by Capt. Ibrahim Traoré in 2022, have become embroiled in a relentless cycle of violence and despair. Civilians like Tidjie, a millet farmer turned militiaman, express feelings of hopelessness and fear, believing that laying down their arms would lead to certain death at the hands of extremists they have fought against. Their ongoing struggles highlight the deepening crisis in the Sahel region.
"We are stuck, all we can think about is death," said Tidjie, a militiaman whose hope has turned into despair after years of conflict and violence.
Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a coup, inspired militia volunteers initially, but their circumstances worsened, leading to a cycle of violence and despair.
Collection
[
|
...
]