Burkina Faso government forces and allied militias, reportedly killed at least 130 civilians in March this year in the western town of Solenzo.According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the deceased were victims of a "massacre" operation which was led by Burkinabè special forces.The incident reportedly resulted in the displacement of ethnic Fulanis.Fulanis are largely made up of Muslims and pastoralist, who have faced frequent accusations by the government Burkinabè of supporting Islamist militants.In West Africa's Sahel region 's groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State are controlling about 40% of Burkina Faso.Meanwhile, much has not been done despite promises made by military leaders of the country to put a halt on killings within the area. The Burkinabè government in 2024, refuted a report by HWR that indicated that 223 civilians were killed by another "massacre" exercise.

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However, the HWR supported its claim with videos that had gone viral during the incident after an interaction with militia members, journalists and the civil society.

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The Human Rights Watch has urged the government to hold perpetrators a culprits accountable after its investigations.

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