Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso has strongly objected to the United Nations’ use of the term “party” in reference to the terrorist group Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), according to information obtained by Agence d’Information du Burkina (AIB) on Thursday. The Burkinabè authorities consider this designation as equating the terrorist group with states in the battle against terror, a perspective they find unacceptable.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights office, Seif Magango, had condemned an attack by JNIM in Djibo, northern Burkina Faso, on November 29, 2023, which resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Magango’s call for “all parties” to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law was interpreted by the Burkinabè government as an inappropriate parity between terrorists and state actors.

The Burkinabè authorities expressed disappointment that a respected institution like the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights would assign the status of a party to individuals known for barbarity and cowardice. They underscored that the Fighting Forces of Burkina Faso, aided by air assets, have been successful in repelling and defeating numerous terrorists in their attempt to seize the town of Djibo on November 26, 2023.