Six individuals have been handed heavy prison sentences for their involvement in the coordinated terrorist attacks of March 2, 2018, which targeted the French embassy and military headquarters in Burkina Faso’s capital, leaving 16 people dead, including eight attackers.
The attacks were claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), the Sahelian branch of Al-Qaeda.
The Judicial Unit specializing in counter-terrorism confirmed that three of the defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment, while three others received 21-year terms.
The proceedings also considered related cases, including the May 22, 2018, anti-terrorist operation in Ouagadougou’s Rayongo district.
According to official reports, the March 2 attacks were carried out as retaliation for the killing of Hassan al-Ansari, also known as Mohammed Ould Nouini, the Al-Mourabitoune commander, along with several of his lieutenants during the Inaghalawass battle against French forces in Mali on February 14, 2018. Ould Nouini had previously orchestrated attacks in Bamako (2015), Ouagadougou, and Grand-Bassam (2016).
Burkinabe security services identified Ayouri al-Battar, leader of the Al-Mourabitoune katiba, as the operations coordinator.
He reportedly entered Burkina Faso on February 9, 2018, meeting with fifteen members of the commando in the Bandiagara area prior to the attacks.
The verdicts form part of a broader judicial review. Between January and July 2025, the Specialized Trial Chamber examined 65 cases involving 125 individuals.
Thirteen defendants received life sentences, while 63 others were handed terms ranging from 10 to 21 years, accompanied by fines of between 2 and 10 million CFA francs. Additional penalties included confiscation of property and compensation for victims, totaling 184.5 million CFA francs in criminal fines.
The anti-terrorism prosecution service has filed appeals in several instances, particularly contesting acquittals, and emphasised that defendants charged with terrorism or terrorist financing remain in detention until all appeals are exhausted.
Public prosecutor Lafama Prosper Thiombiano praised the dedication of judicial police, magistrates, and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, while urging continued efforts to strengthen Burkina Faso’s judicial response to terrorist threats.
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