What is behind the sharp drop in deaths in Burkina Faso’s war?

Decline raises many questions, especially since the number of violent incidents has remained the same.

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – For months, Belko Dialo’s* hometown of Djibo in the restive north of Burkina Faso was blockaded by armed groups that largely cut off its connection with the capital, Ouagadougou. But in recent weeks, there have been reports that negotiations between the government and the groups have led to a detente between the two sides and the surrender of some 50 fighters. Dialo, however, said this has not brought with it a new sense of peace for Djibo’s roughly 60,000 residents.