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Burkina Faso has experienced a broad collapse in state authority. This insecurity has led to Islamic extremists being able to dominate areas of the country and freely commit violence. These groups are able to rule as a form of quasi-government with little opposition. Extremist religious leaders encourage communities to be hostile towards Christians.
Due to this, churches have been forced to close and have been burned, and Christian homes and businesses have been destroyed and looted. Christian communities can face threats, violent attacks and displacement from their homes. Anyone who leaves Islam to follow Jesus is especially vulnerable to threats and violence.
Burkinabe Christians in rural areas controlled by Islamic extremists are most vulnerable to targeted attacks, harassment and discrimination. They are also often expected to follow strict religious rules. Those who deviate from these rules, especially converts from a Muslim background, risk the most serious persecution from their families and communities.
"I couldn’t pray, because when I prayed, I wept. But when I wept, I prayed with tears."
Pastor John, whose son was killed in an attack by Islamic extremists. He received trauma care through Open Doors’ local partners.
Burkina Faso has risen four places on this year’s World Watch List. Violence has increased, as well as pressure on church life. Christians in Burkina Faso face ongoing threats, instability and displacement. On top of persecution, believers face deepening poverty and a worsening human rights’ crisis. Burkina Faso is one of the least developed nations in the world. Its problems are heightened by geopolitical rivalries playing out in the region, along with the rise of extremist groups, organised crime and corruption.
In areas under their control, extremists increasingly exploit the poverty and anti-Western sentiment among local clans to exert pressure on Christians. They attempt to indoctrinate young people, enforce strict religious codes and justify violence against Christians as being divinely mandated.
This year, brutal attacks by extremists on Christian communities have claimed more lives, destroyed churches and homes, and displaced an estimated two million people. Converts from Islam face significant pressure to return to the faith. They can be ejected from their communities or face violence.
Open Doors serves the church in Burkina Faso through persecution-awareness training, relief efforts, spiritual care and trauma care. Behind these is the vision to see the church respond biblically to persecution by spiritually empowering her members and caring for those most affected.
Lord, we ask You to bring Your peace, wisdom and strength to Your people in Burkina Faso. So many face such difficult situations: losing their homes, their communities and even their loved ones. We ask that You 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 to build Your kingdom, even in the face of such hostility. Amen.
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