Bassiron Oubda, a resident of Kidibin village in Burkina Faso’s Central-Est Region, has shared a harrowing account of his experiences during the political unrest that followed the coup d’etat led by President Ibrahim Traoré.
After Traoré took power, Oubda and his family faced persecution due to their opposition to the takeover. “My father and I were not in support of Ibrahim Traoré’s coup because it’s unlawful,” Oubda said.
The situation escalated when Traoré’s supporters, who formed a group called “Koglweogo” (defense of the village), targeted those who opposed the new leadership. Oubda claims that he and others who supported former President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba were subjected to brutal treatment, including severe beatings and starvation.
The abuse allegedly occurred at an unknown camp, where detainees were held without food and forced to endure physical torment. “Our hands were tied up, and we had no food for several days,” Oubda recounted. “Only a small amount of water was given to us.”
During the beatings, Oubda claims that the Koglweogo group would ask if they would denounce Paul and support Ibrahim because he’s a Muslim. “If you said no, the beating would continue,” he said.
Tragically, Oubda’s father did not survive the abuse. When his father visited the camp to plead for his release, he was beaten and died on October 26.
The next day, a group of detainees masterminded a plan to escape, and Oubda managed to flee Kidibin. Those who remain are reportedly still facing torture and persecution.
Oubda’s account highlights the alleged human rights abuses and violence that occurred during the political unrest in Burkina Faso. His story serves as a testament to the struggles faced by those who opposed the coup and the need for accountability and justice.
