By Gigi Kotze
Last year, Burkina Faso became the country most impacted by terrorism, with nearly 2,000 deaths, surpassing Afghanistan. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), this shift marks a significant move of global terrorism from the Middle East to the Sahel region. The Global Terrorism Index 2024 recorded 1,907 terrorism-related deaths and 442 injuries in the past year. Deaths from terrorism in Burkina Faso have risen each year since 2014, when no deaths were recorded.
Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) remains the most active terrorist group in Burkina Faso. Although the number of their attacks stayed the same, the death toll increased significantly in 2023, making their attacks deadlier.
The Islamic State also stepped up its activity, causing more deaths in 2023 than before. Many attacks and deaths are attributed to unknown jihadist groups, making Burkina Faso one of the countries with the highest rates of unclaimed terrorist violence globally. An INcontext friend shared that combatting terrorism is very complicated. Terrorist groups are growing, some backed by international organisations and local people. Although not all areas are affected, some areas are so unsafe that the military is always needed. He said the global Church can pray for the government’s decision-making and that another coup would be avoided. He also asked for prayers to sustain the Christians who abandoned their faith because of the insecurity and that this Sunday all evangelical churches will fast and pray for peace in the country. Another friend of the ministry reported that there is a massive purchase of weapons from Russia and other nations. He appreciated raising awareness so the global community can pray for and support the Body of Christ in Burkina Faso, and despite it being hard to live in as Christians, they remain uncrushed.
For the fifth year in a row, civilians were the main targets of terrorism in Burkina Faso, with deaths significantly increasing from the previous year. Both Christians, who make up 21.17% and Muslims 55% of the total population, have been targeted by these Islamist groups. Ranked 20th on the Open Doors World Watch List of persecuted countries, the reality on the ground remains severe for believers. Converts from Islam face threats to renounce their faith in Jesus especially where extremist attacks are common. Many have fled due to instability, leaving churches empty.
In August 2023, Fr. Pierre Rouamba, the leader of the Missionary Brothers of the Countryside (FMC), talked with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) about the difficulties facing Christians in Burkina Faso. He described the situation in Kompienga, where terrorists control mines and checkpoints, making it hard to reach except by helicopter. Since Pentecost 2023, terrorists have targeted the local population, resulting in deaths, injuries, and forced displacement. Many refuse to convert to Islam and are left stranded in the forest, facing starvation and neglect. In some instances, women attempting to escape were subjected to abduction, rape, and slavery. Despite these terrible things, the FMC wants to open a centre in Ouagadougou to train and send out people to spread the message of Jesus in rural places and help those hurt by violence – offering spiritual and psychological support.
Fr. Rouamba also shared that many Christians who had drifted away from their faith before the crisis are now returning to Jesus, despite terrorists’ efforts to suppress Christianity. Unable to gather in churches due to the danger, families are holding their gatherings at home. This persecution has strengthened their faith in Christ.
“It is precisely because these Christians are directly persecuted that they deepen their bond with Christ. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of Christians, in a particular and current way here in Burkina Faso.” – Fr. Pierre Rouamba
Despite facing affliction, Christians in Burkina Faso are not crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8-10) because they choose to place their trust in Jesus, finding solace and strength in Him alone.
Pray with us for the following:
- Pray for safety and protection for the people of Burkina Faso amidst escalating terrorism. Ask for God’s intervention to bring peace and comfort to those affected by violence and loss.
- Pray for courage and steadfast faith among Christians facing persecution, especially converts from Islam. Pray that they remain strong in their faith despite threats and pressures to renounce Jesus.
- Pray for wisdom and effectiveness for Christian organisations like the FMC as they provide support and care to Christians in Burkina Faso. Pray that their efforts will bring hope and healing amid chaos.
