US warns Sahel nations over extrajudicial killings

The US has warned West Africa’s Sahel nations that it could withdraw its support if security forces violate human rights.

The state department said it was “deeply concerned” by the allegations documented by rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW).

HRW said that at least 180 bodies were found in a mass grave in Burkina Faso with evidence suggesting that government forces were involved in extrajudicial killings.

More Read

Assibey Antwi, Gifty Oware to face court today over NSA ghost names scandal

Govt spending falls 14% below target — BoG Report

GES to phase out double-track system by 2027 — GES

TUC warns of imminent water crisis, urges Mahama to declare State of emergency over galamsey

IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Ghana for $385m disbursement

The state department also cited reports by the UN mission in Malawi.

“The United States has made clear that our assistance to the region must not be used in any way that contributes to violations or abuses of human rights and that without prompt and thorough action to address these allegations, US security assistance may be at risk,” US Department of State spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

The statement urged presidents in the G5 Sahel – representing Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger – to investigate the allegations and hold “anyone found guilty of human rights violations or abuses” accountable.

Source: BBC