At least 47 civilians and gendarmes were killed on Wednesday, August 18, in the northern part of the country between Arbinda and Dori in an ambush by suspected terrorists while traveling in a convoy. A three-day national mourning has been ordered by the government.
Questions arise about the victims, both civilian and military, in this murderous attack. For Monsignor Laurent Dabiré, bishop of Dori diocese, this type of convoy that mixes soldiers and civilians is common in the region.
Civilians often benefit from the military that comes and goes to make the journey
Monsignor Laurent Dabiré, Bishop of Dori
There was a military convoy that, after going out to Dori, for supplies, was on its way back to base. Civilians often benefit from the military that comes and goes to make the journey. When the opportunity arises, people travel to get supplies, but also to see relatives who are also in Dori. These convoys have always worked. This raises the whole question of population mobility in areas of insecurity. It is certain that this section, this attack will revive the issue of securing this area, but according to the government, the attackers also suffered heavy losses. The Armed Forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) for the army’s aid organizations succeeded in neutralizing 58 terrorists, according to the authorities. Minister of Communications Ousséïni Tamboura calls on Burkinabè to reach an agreement.
The people must remain strong, united and will necessarily win this war
Ousséïni Tamboura, Minister of Communications
Yesterday, in this attack, the government in an official statement offered its condolences to the families of the civilian and military victims and to the families of the VDP and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, who were all evacuated to hospitals in Dori and Ouagadougou. a war, we will not stop repeating it, a war will not end in a day but with the efforts provided, in addition to the military efforts. [Il faut] win it also in the mind and in a better social organization. It is a war that will be won together, it will not be won with only a part of the country that says it is a battle of the government, even if the government has a role to play in the organization, in the equipment, in the mobilization of resources, it will to be won with all parts of society, the defense and security forces and the population themselves. It is a message of unity again, it is a message of resilience. The people must remain strong, united and will necessarily win this war.►Read also: Burkina Faso: civilians and soldiers killed in attacks in the Sahel region
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