Thousands fleeing violence in Burkina Faso find refuge in Ivory Coast: Video
Tens of thousands of people from Burkina Faso have sought refuge in the northern Ivory Coast to escape violence from extremist attacks and abuses by the military.
Many are now housed in camps or welcomed by local communities. At the Niornigue camp, just outside Ouangolodougou, hundreds of metal-roofed brick houses shelter over 6,000 displaced Burkinabé, primarily herders from the semi-nomadic Fulani community who left their cattle and possessions behind.
The camp has the likeness of a small village rather than a traditional refugee facility, despite the Ivorian government's reluctance to officially recognise the occupants as refugees. However, many locals have made significant efforts to assist them.
The Defence and Security Advisor to the Ivorian President, Paulin Yewe, explained to AFP the government's approach to the crisis. "The National Security Council, chaired by President Alassane Ouattara, recognised the need to reach out to these distressed populations. To prevent destabilising already weakened communities, we decided to identify mechanisms for securing and providing humanitarian assistance."
Adama Maiga, a refugee from the Fulani community, expressed gratitude for the support she has received in Ivory Coast. "We thank God that since we arrived here we've been well received. They give us food and drink. We feel good here," she told the AFP. However, she added, "We came here because of the insecurity. But if there's peace in Burkina Faso, that's where I'd rather go."
Since 2015, escalating violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced about two million people in Burkina Faso, following an insurgency that began in neighbouring Mali.
Two military coups in Burkina Faso in 2022 were sparked by increased attacks from armed groups. Jihadist fighters affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have claimed over 20,000 lives in Burkina Faso, with around 3,800 deaths reported this year alone, according to the ACLED analysis group, which monitors global conflict.
