Burkina Faso's Junta Conscripts Critics Amid Rising Repression

In Burkina Faso, the ruling military junta has been conscripting its critics, including prominent figures like Arouna Loure, a vocal opponent who was forcibly enlisted into military service. Loure, an anesthesiologist, received a conscription order in September last year. Shortly after, he was abducted from his hospital by armed men and taken to a military camp near Kaya, where he was held for three months.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported numerous similar cases, accusing the junta of kidnapping and conscripting dissenters. Despite these allegations, the junta has not publicly responded. Since March 2023, at least 19 such abductions have been verified by Reuters through interviews and public statements.

The conscriptions appear to be part of junta leader Ibrahim Traore's strategy to suppress criticism since he seized power in a 2022 coup. Victims have described their conscription as arbitrary and punitive, often involving torture and forced military service.

Some, including Loure, were later seen in military uniforms in social media posts.

In addition to conscription, the junta has also been accused of extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses, contributing to an ongoing climate of fear and repression in the country. Despite the junta's efforts, Burkina Faso continues to struggle with security issues and insurgent violence, leading to widespread civilian casualties.