Burkina Faso: 50 women abducted by suspected rebels
Al JazeeraNov 25, 2022
The Facts
Burkina Faso's government stated on Monday that a group of some 50 women and girls picking wild fruits were attacked and kidnapped by armed men in separate incidents on Jan. 12 and 13 in the Soum province.
Sahel's regional governor Lt. Col. Rodolphe Sorgho said that search efforts were launched as soon as the disappearances were announced, with aircraft reportedly flying over the area "to detect any suspect movement," following unsuccessful sweeps by the army and civilian auxiliaries.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The deteriorating security crisis in West Africa is primarily the result of the West's decade-long political and military interference under the guise of fighting terrorism. There is hope for the region only when it's no longer possible for the West to pursue its geopolitical interests unchallenged by pretending to "help."
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Western powers can certainly be criticized for their colonial record in West Africa, local authorities must stop blaming the West for today's crisis if they truly intend to tackle the jihadist insurgency rather than simply use it to justify their undemocratic rule. As Russian actors step up in the region, their counterterrorism efforts have proven just as unsuccessful.
