Attack on Diapaga Base Burkina Faso – May 13, 2025

A few days after the fall of Djibo in northern Burkina Faso, Africa Security Analysis continues to closely monitor the evolving security situation in the country. On Tuesday, May 13 at 20:00, the military base in Diapaga—located in Tapoa Province in eastern Burkina Faso—was targeted in a swift, coordinated assault by the Group for Support to Islam and Muslims (JNIM). Approximately thirty heavily armed fighters, operating from the periphery, launched an attack on positions held by the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) and the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP).

Background of the Attack

In a lightning-fast operation lasting roughly twenty minutes and characterized by intense gunfire and improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, jihadist forces caught government troops off guard. At 20:18, after penetrating the base, the attackers locked the entrance, effectively seizing control of the site.

Battle Developments

According to local witnesses interviewed by Africa Security Analysis:

• Duration and Intensity: Less than twenty minutes of fierce combat marked by continuous gunfire exchanges and explosions.
• Government Forces Involved: Approximately 120 personnel, comprising 80 BIR soldiers and 40 VDP members.
• Casualties on the Government Side: At least 15 fatalities and 27 injuries (with several in critical condition) have been reported. In addition, three armoured vehicles and two pick-up trucks were destroyed.
• Casualties on the JNIM Side: Intelligence sources estimate around ten deaths and roughly twenty wounded among the attackers.

Control and Looting

After seizing the base, the jihadists dismantled the arms and ammunition depots, looting rocket launchers, machine guns, grenades, and over 5,000 rounds of ammunition. They also seized two lightly armoured vehicles, three troop transport trucks, and several all-terrain vehicles, while simultaneously disabling the camp’s communication systems—rendering any further coordination impossible.

Jihadist Movement Around Diapaga & New Video Statement

By 21:00, armed columns were spotted in the immediate vicinity of Diapaga—less than five kilometres from the town centre. Local officials warn that a major attack on the town could occur at dawn, potentially triggering a massive exodus and forcing new waves of displaced persons into neighbouring villages.

In a recent five-minute video, Oueiss al-Ansari and Oussman Dicko—brother of Jaafar, the openly identified JNIM chief—appeared on camera. In the video, they called on civilians to evacuate the enemy’s strongholds and urged those in Djibo to leave immediately. Al-Ansari expressed satisfaction over having gained control of the area while openly threatening “the army and the VDP militias.” This statement reinforces the enhanced operational capabilities of JNIM and underscores the level of challenge the Burkinabe state faces in maintaining territorial control.

The simultaneity and coordination of these attacks underscore both the improved operational capacity of JNIM and the persistent difficulties that the Burkina Faso government faces in exerting effective territorial control. The pace with which order is reestablished, and civilians are secured will be critical in the coming hours and days.

Government Response and Reinforcements

Faced with this dire situation, the Minister of Defence immediately ordered the deployment of a detachment from the Motorized Infantry Regiment of Fada N’Gourma (approximately 80 men), along with a section of the National Guard. Their arrival on the scene is expected within the next few hours. Furthermore, at 23:30, two transport helicopters and one reconnaissance helicopter departed from Ouagadougou for surveillance missions and medical evacuations. The government has also declared a state of emergency throughout the eastern region, mobilizing both the gendarmerie and police to patrol key roadways and prevent further infiltrations.

Humanitarian and Civil Impact

The violence has forced nearly 2,000 civilians to flee, with displaced persons now spread across Kantchari, Diapaga-Village, and various informal camps located at the southern outskirts of Diapaga. Additionally, widespread power and water outages have paralyzed municipal services, prompting local NGOs to prepare an emergency distribution of food kits and medical supplies at first light.

Challenges

This incident, occurring in an already tense environment following the fall of Djibo in the north, confirms the growing strength of JNIM in eastern Burkina Faso. The progressive disengagement of state forces on several strategic fronts jeopardizes territorial integrity and erodes public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens. The speed with which reinforcements are deployed, and order is restored will be decisive in determining the trajectory of this crisis in the coming hours and days.

Africa Security Analysis has observed that tensions persist around Diapaga, with continuous presence of armed jihadist columns near the town centre. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and consider deploying additional reinforcements to secure the entire eastern region. At the same time, enhanced efforts are underway to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the displaced, as the government bolsters coordination among various security forces to prevent further infiltrations.

This spate of events marks a deeply concerning escalation in eastern Burkina Faso—occurring at a critical moment as the Burkinabe president returns from Moscow. The situation highlights not only JNIM’s increased operational effectiveness but also the ongoing challenges the state faces in maintaining control of its territory and ensuring the safety of its populations. Africa Security Analysis, supported by local contacts, will continue to monitor and provide updates on this evolving crisis.