A major political debate has emerged after Human Rights Watch released a report accusing Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, of serious violations connected to the conflict in the Sahel region.

The report, published on April 2, 2026, claims to document events between 2023 and 2025, and it has triggered strong reactions from supporters of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Many believe the report is not only about human rights but also part of a broader geopolitical struggle surrounding Africa’s sovereignty and the political direction of the Sahel region.

In this video, Akosua Prempeh from United States of Africa TV explains the background of the report, the accusations, the responses from the Sahel governments, and the wider implications for Africa and international relations.

Watch the full video and join the discussion.

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