Terrorist attack in Burkina Faso kills hundreds of people 

Your prayers are needed for the town of Barsalogho after terrorists opened fire on civilians and killed at least 200 people, with the death toll likely to be even higher.

At least 200 people have been killed after terrorists opened fire in Barsalogho town, Burkina Faso – it is not yet known if any of the victims were Christians.   

On 24 August, members of the Islamic extremist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of al-Qaeda, fired on civilians and soldiers who were digging trenches around the border of the town in northern Burkina Faso. Some reports say as many as 500 people were killed in the attack. 

In a disturbing video that was filmed by the attackers and distributed on social media, it can be seen how men dressed in plain clothes are brutally shot and killed indiscriminately in the trenches while other men shout “Allahu Akbar” (which means “Allah is the greatest”). The attack is one of the deadliest in the country this year. 

Military criticised for deaths of volunteers 

Speaking in a state television broadcast, Mahamadou Sana, Burkina Faso’s security minister, said: “We will make sure that the enemy knows that we will never again accept such barbarity in our territory. In any case, we want to assure the Burkinabe people that we are committed to protecting the Burkinabe and their property and will stand firm.”  

The military has been criticised by the families of those killed, as many were volunteers helping security forces dig trenches to protect Barsalogho.  

The Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights for the UN, Ben Saul, condemned the terrorist attack. “I extend my deepest sympathy and solidarity to the victims and their families and the people and Governments of Burkina Faso,” he said. 

“Terrorist violence against civilians destroys human rights, including the rights to life and personal security and bodily and mental integrity. Terrorism also undermines civil and political rights, democracy and the rule of law, socio-economic rights and development.” 

A call to ‘remain in prayer’ 

“Open Doors strongly condemns the attack on civilians and joins the calls on government at all levels to keep civilians safe and bring to justice all who are found to be involved in these acts of brutality,” says Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors’ spokesperson for the work in sub-Saharan Africa.   

“The millions of Burkinabe people that have already been affected by the violence are living in constant flux – bereaved and severely traumatised. The immediate and long-term human cost of the violence must not be allowed to continue in this manner. All human beings have the right to protection no matter their faith, ethnicity or gender.”    

Burkina Faso is currently suffering from the displacement crisis affecting large parts of sub-Saharan Africa, with over two million people forced from their homes in Burkina Faso because of violence – including many Christians. The country is currently number 20 on the World Watch List, having risen several places in the past year as jihadist violence increases. 

“We further call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer over this devastating situation,” Jo adds. “Pray for an end to the Islamist violence as government at all levels diligently, impartially and transparently addresses the violence and its effects. Pray for provision for the church in Burkina Faso as she seeks to bring physical and spiritual assistance to the affected.”