The United Nations, U.S and France have demanded the release of women who were kidnapped in Burkina Faso’s northern Soum province between January 12 and 13.

At least 50 women were abducted by Islamic extremists. The kidnappings occurred approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the town of Arbinda in Soum province, Lt. Col. P.F. Rodolphe Sorgho, the Governor of Sahel, said in a statement.

The Burkinabe government announced the kidnappings on Monday, January 16, 2023. The women were kidnapped while out in the countryside gathering wild fruit.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he was “alarmed” by the kidnappings in “the first attack of this type deliberately targeting women” in Burkina Faso. He called for the women’s immediate and unconditional release, urging the authorities to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.

Also, the US State Department stated that it was deeply concerned. State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price remarked that the United States condemns the kidnapping of the more than 50 women by violent extremists in Burkina Faso.

“Those abducted must be returned safely to their loved ones immediately and unconditionally, and those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price

In a statement, ally and former colonizer of Burkina Faso; France condemned the kidnappings and called for the women’s immediate release.

No group has said it was behind the abductions but the kidnappings took place in an area where militants are active.

Thousands have been killed and nearly 2 million have been displaced in Burkina Faso due to violence linked to al-Qaeda and the so-called “Islamic State” (IS) group in recent years. The deteriorating security situation has fueled two military coups last year alone.

Burkina Faso Overrun By Jihadi Violence

Jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group has overrun Burkina Faso.

The failure of successive governments to stop the fighting has caused widespread discontent and triggered two military coups in 2022, the second against the first military regime to seize power.

The military junta that seized power in September, vowing to restore security, is still struggling to curtail the violence.

Extremists have besieged towns around the West African country, preventing people and goods from moving freely. The town of Arbinda has been under jihadi blockade for years, making women more vulnerable to attacks if they try to escape.

Former Arbinda Mayor, Boureima Werem opined that the large-scale abductions were a new strategy and could point to a shift in extremists’ tactics.

Ousmane Diallo, a researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa, called the kidnappings “a very concerning and serious development in Burkina Faso that exposes the vulnerability of women in areas under blockade.”

“The rights of civilians and their rights to their livelihoods must be protected by all parties to the conflict. There needs to be more attention and more protection of civilians by the government in these besieged towns, but also (a) tailored approach to the protection of women and girls.”
Ousmane Diallo

Laith Alkhouri, CEO of Intelonyx Intelligence Advisory, which provides intelligence analysis, noted that the Jihadis are trying to mount pressure on the Burkinabe government.

“Abductions are an easy way to score points and a bargaining card,” Alkhouri disclosed.

“These tactics are meant to add pressure on the government to provide concessions, such (as) ransom money, as well as highlight the ruling body as unable to protect its citizens, in the process creating fear among the locals and distrust between the public and the government.”
Laith Alkhouri

Authorities said that the army and volunteers have searched the area but, so far, have not found the abductees.