On 19 March 2025, the Burkinabe army and volunteer fighters (VDP) attacked civilians from Fulani and Gourmatche community in the village of Kalimama (Gayeri, Komandjari). About 40 civilians were killed.

Burkina Faso Civilian Attack Incident - Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

On March 19, 2025, Burkina Faso government forces and militia (VDP) attacked Fulani and Gourmanche civilians in Kalimama village, Gayeri area of Komandjari province, Burkina Faso, resulting in approximately 40 deaths. This is assessed as a high-risk incident demonstrating the deepening security instability in the West Africa region.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Gold mining operation risks: Burkina Faso is a major gold producer in West Africa, and deteriorating security in eastern regions could disrupt mining operations and gold exports
• Agricultural production disruption: The targeted Fulani are traditional pastoralists, and regional livestock and agricultural activities are expected to contract, impacting food supply chains
• Overland transport route risks: Increased security concerns on major overland transport routes between Ghana and Burkina Faso could raise regional logistics costs
• Regional investment environment deterioration: Ongoing security instability raises concerns about foreign investment delays and development project postponements

3. Watch points

• Government response measures: Trends in Burkina Faso government policies for civilian protection and regional stabilization
• Spillover effects to neighboring countries: Border security reinforcement measures and potential trade restrictions by adjacent countries including Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire
• International organization intervention: Whether UN and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will expand peacekeeping activities