How are Christians persecuted in Burkina Faso?
- Christians are targeted by extremist groups, who have kidnapped or killed believers and attacked churches. This leads to an environment of anxiety and fear for believers.
“I don’t know how we will live in this situation.”
Pastor Maturin, whose community was attacked
- Churches are often forced to close or are burnt down, whilst businesses are destroyed and entire livelihoods run aground. “They destroyed our food; all our belongings are wrecked. I don’t know how we will live in this situation,” shares Pastor Maturin*.
- Because of the threat of violence, many believers flee their homes and communities.
- Abduction, rape and forced marriage threaten the lives of many Christian women and girls. Where Islamist extremist groups dominate the area, women are afforded little government protection and are even more susceptible to sexual violence.
- Young men are vulnerable to forced conscription into armed groups. Older men are targeted as the breadwinners of the family, and entire households are destabilised through brutal attacks against them.
Why are Christians persecuted in Burkina Faso?
- Burkina Faso has experienced a broad collapse in state authority, giving licence to extremist groups to carry out their violence without repercussions. It is also one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world, which makes it easier for Islamist extremism to control the lives of communities.
- Conversion from Islam is strongly condemned by many, due to the Islamic culture which dominates the country.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Burkina Faso?
- Converts from Islam are most exposed to abuse or harassment and deviation from the strict religious rules of certain communities is considered a highly punishable offence.
- Believers living in areas where militant groups are most active face the most pressing threats.
What has changed in Burkina Faso in the past year?
- Burkina Faso has risen by four spots on the World Watch List this year, owing to increased violence and pressure on church activities.
- The country continues to suffer from extreme poverty and compounding human rights crises which worsens the effects of persecution for believers.
- This year has seen more devastating attacks which have taken the lives of Christians, their homes and displacing an estimated two million people.
How can I help Christians in Burkina Faso?
“Pray that Jesus will continue to strengthen our faith.”
Pastor Soré
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso. Your support reminds them that they are not alone – their global church family stands with them. “Continue to pray for peace and security in the country,” asks Pastor Soré. “Pray that Jesus will continue to strengthen our faith and the faith of the new converts.”
Open Doors serves the church in Burkina Faso through persecution survival training, relief aid, spiritual care and trauma care.
Lord, we ask for you to bring Your peace, wisdom and strength to Your people in Burkina Faso. So many of them face such difficult situations: losing their homes, their communities, and even their loved ones. We ask that You to protect them, provide for their needs, and that they would feel and know they are supported by their worldwide church family. We thank You for their willingness to serve You and build Your kingdom even in the face of such hostility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
