In a tragic incident near the Niger-Burkina Faso border, at least six young farmers from the Kel Tamerkest community in Niger’s Maradi Region were reportedly executed by Burkinabe security forces.
The victims, identified as Hamed Ousmane Rhissa, Ghadou Ag Ouka, Ahmadou Ag Issa, Mossa, Abdoulaye, Ibrahim Ag Alhadi, and Bahas Ag Hama, were known cattle traders operating between the two countries.
The execution took place in the vicinity of Seytanga, under the administrative control of Dori in Burkina Faso, during a convoy movement along the Ouagadougou-Niger border route. According to Elhadji Hama Haroune, Head of the Kel Tamerkest Group, the young men were summarily shot by elements of Burkina Faso’s Forces de Défense et de Sécurité (FDS).
The Kel Tamerkest community has expressed profound grief and has vehemently condemned the act. Elhadji Hama Haroune stated, “We condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms. These were innocent young men known for their honest work, and their brutal killing is a senseless loss.” This statement was released on January 29, 2025.
The community is now demanding swift and thorough investigations by both Burkinabe and Nigerien authorities. “We expect the competent authorities to act swiftly in order to ensure accountability for these murders,” the statement from the community leader added, urging for justice to be served for the victims.
This incident has sparked outrage, highlighting the ongoing tensions and security challenges along the borders of these West African nations.