Recent coordinated raids by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group JNIM have led to the deaths of over 130 people in Burkina Faso, amidst a troubling resurgence of jihadist violence in the region. Following a period of reduced activity as the group shifted focus to Mali last year, JNIM has intensified its operations in Burkina Faso, launching multiple attacks in the northern and eastern regions that have claimed civilian lives.

The resurgence of JNIM attacks comes as Burkina Faso continues to struggle with persistent insecurity, a situation exacerbated by the military junta that has been in power since September 2022. The instability has allowed militant groups to exploit the situation, leading to increased violence that affects both the military and civilian populations. Observers indicate that the situation reflects a broader trend of instability across the Sahel, where such groups find fertile ground for recruitment and operations.

The UN Security Council had previously indicated that the pace of JNIM attacks had slowed down due to a redirection of resources to support operations in Mali; however, the series of recent assaults indicates that the group's operational capabilities are not diminished. Analysts warn that unless the root causes of the insurgency—such as poverty, governance issues, and lack of security—are addressed, these attacks are likely to continue, contributing to the ongoing cycle of violence in the region.