With an objective to bolster military forces against Islamist insurgents, Captain Traoré's government has enlisted thousands into the VDH. These poorly trained civilians have, ironically, fueled local conflicts, contributing to a staggering rise in violence, particularly against vulnerable ethnic groups. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project reveals a disturbing trend of increased violence, culminating in murder, looting, and widespread fear among communities once characterized by harmonious inter-ethnic relations.

The harrowing experiences of individuals like Rainatou Diallo, who lost her husband to local militants during a brutal nighttime raid, illustrate the profound impact this conflict has on ordinary lives. Diallo's adherence to the belief that her assailants were once her neighbors signifies how the armed dynamics have dismantled communal trust and safety across the territory.

As the conflict intensifies, Burkina Faso faces the grim possibility of civil war. With nearly three million displaced and countless lives shattered, it remains to be seen whether the government will reassess its militarization strategy or continue down this path of devastation. The international community watches closely, questioning the implications of a failed security approach that has led to widespread suffering and societal fracturing.