This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
On Friday evening, a devastating attack on the Grand Mosque in Salmossi underscored the challenges faced by Burkina Faso in its fight against jihadists.
According to eyewitnesses, 13 people died instantly, while three others succumbed to their injuries later. Two of the wounded are in critical condition.
"Since this morning, people have started to flee the area," said a resident from the nearby town of Gorom-Gorom, describing a climate of panic despite military reinforcements deployed after the attack.
Despite being hit by jihadist violence, many Burkinabes oppose the presence of foreign troops, particularly from France, on their territory.
On Saturday, a crowd of around 1,000 people marched in the capital Ouagadougou to denounce terrorism and the presence of foreign military bases in Africa.
"Terrorism has become an ideal pretext for installing foreign military bases in our country," said Gabin Korbeogo, a co-organiser of the march.
"Despite the massive presence of foreign troops, terrorist groups are growing stronger," he added.
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has struggled with increasing violence, with nearly 600 people killed, according to a toll compiled by AFP. Civil society groups put the number at over 1,000.
The country's defence and security forces are poorly equipped and trained, unable to halt the escalating violence.
France has a 200-strong force in Burkina Faso and frequently intervenes as part of its regional Barkhane operation.
Almost 500,000 people have fled their homes due to the violence, with the UN refugee agency warning of a humanitarian crisis affecting 1.5 million people.
Almost 3,000 schools have closed, disrupting trade and markets in the overwhelmingly rural economy.
