Church thriving amidst Islamic extremist armed group and military coup
The number of Christians in Burkina Faso is 4.6 million, or about 21% of the total population of 21.5 million. Other religions are 55% Islam and 23.1% ethnic religions. Evangelicals are 10.6% of the population, about 2.3 million people.
Since 2016, the activities of Islamic extremists have increased rapidly in Burkina Faso. Armed groups linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) or al-Qaeda, which have been active mainly in neighboring Mali and Niger, have crossed the weak northern border to extend their influence into the Sahel region near the Sahara Desert. Since April 2019, approximately 70 Christians have been killed, and five churches have been attacked. Since then, jihadists (Islamic extremists) have primarily targeted Christians. Reports indicate that more than 200 churches in northern and eastern Burkina Faso have been closed due to security concerns and threats of attacks. As a result of the violence and threats specifically targeting Christians, approximately 10,000 have fled their homes. The increase in terrorism led to 830,000 people becoming refugees in 2019, escaping from murder and looting. As of now, there are one million internally displaced people, with a large number being Christians. As a result, 1.9 million children are no longer able to go to school.
Large churches in the capital city of Ouagadougou operate publicly. Until recently, even Christians living surrounded by Muslims in some villages were free to follow their faith. However, as of 2019, attacks on Christians increased rapidly. Today, there are few remaining Christians in northern and eastern Burkina Faso.
Believers who have converted from Islam are facing the most severe persecution. Families and community members often reject them and pressure them to renounce their Christian faith. Many people are afraid to publicly express their beliefs due to threats. Christians in the north and east experience the most pressure and violence, especially outside major cities. In the west, adherents of indigenous religions also commit acts of violence against Christians.
Burkina Faso’s global persecution index ranking was outside the top 50 in 2019 but climbed to 32nd place in 2022. The persecution of Christians worsened in 2021, mainly due to a rise in reported incidents of violence, reflecting the growing influence of Islamic extremist groups.
In January 2022, a military coup led by Colonel Damiba overthrew the president, and the military established an interim government. Soon after, in October, another coup ousted Interim President Damiba, and Army Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power.
Open Doors is strengthening Christians in Burkina Faso by providing persecution survival training, relief aid, and spiritual and trauma care through local ministers.
Ordinary local believers boldly proclaim the gospel.
Africa continues to suffer due to Islamic militant groups responsible for terrorism and the violent persecution of Christians. West African countries facing threats include Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger, and Togo.
In 2017, terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Macina Liberation Front, Al-Mourabitoun, and Ansar Dine merged to form an organization known as the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). Similarly, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) was also active in the region.
Since 2015, more than 3,500 people have lost their lives in attacks by Islamic militants in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and 1,300 people died in 2021 alone. Additionally, the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram has killed tens of thousands of Christians and displaced millions of people in Nigeria as part of its efforts to reject Western influence and impose strict Islamic Sharia law. The high level of insurgent activity in West Africa continues to destabilize the region. Political upheaval, weak government control, and economic crises have provided opportunities for terrorist groups to expand their territory and recruit members. These armed groups hold radical Islamic beliefs that fuel the persecution of Christians, including the notion that those who profess Christianity must be killed.
According to Hyun Sook Foley, Representative of Voice of the Martyrs Korea, in times of armed conflict and domestic instability, local Christians are often better equipped to carry out ministry than international aid agencies or mission organizations.
She stated, “Voice of the Martyrs partners with local Christians who are enduring persecution and pressure. Whether it’s the COVID-19 pandemic or a military coup, whenever a serious crisis arises in a region, mission organizations and aid agencies often have no choice but to evacuate their staff or urge them to be cautious and hide. However, local Christians have nowhere to go or hide. Even as refugees, they must find ways to sustain themselves, obtain drinking water, gather for worship, and educate their children. That is why, in times of conflict and instability, it seems that God grants ordinary local believers boldness to spread the gospel and continue with their ministry.”
Pastor Pierre led a church in northern Burkina Faso until he was attacked by Islamic jihadists in 2019. When the attackers entered the town and began shooting, Pastor Pierre received a warning: “The terrorists are coming to kill you—leave quickly.” He fled to a nearby city with his congregation to find a safe place to stay. By 2022, he was offering shelter for 16 church members. Voice of the Martyrs provided him with an audio Bible and living expenses, which he uses to teach and minister to other refugees in the city. Pastor Pierre said, “People want to listen to the Bible because they have nothing else to do. Many are giving their lives to Christ.”
In 2022, according to Voice of the Martyrs, Simon from Burkina Faso became a Christian after receiving an audio Bible and listening to God’s Word. He grew up in a family that practiced the country’s common superstitions, believing that all objects possessed supernatural powers and worshiping them. As the eldest son, Simon was expected by his relatives to lead his father’s funeral when he recently passed away. However, as a Christian, he did not want to lead or participate in the animal sacrifices typically required for such traditional ceremonies. Despite this, he still wished to personally bury his father. When Simon arrived at the funeral, his family and villagers refused to let him take part in the burial and instead began beating his wife. She fled into the bush with their child, while Simon himself was severely beaten and lost consciousness. He was taken to a local hospital, where he remains in a coma. The whereabouts of his wife and child are still unknown.
》Prayer Points
1. In 2010, Catholics accounted for 23.3% of Christians in Burkina Faso, while Protestants made up 6.5%, which was lower than the 7.8% who followed ethnic religions. However, by 2020, the total Christian population had decreased to 21%, with Catholics dropping to 11.2% and Protestants increasing to 8.6%. Notably, the proportion of those practicing ethnic religions rose significantly to 23.1%. Let us pray that Protestant churches, armed with the gospel of the cross and prayer in Jesus Christ, will be purified and become a beacon of salvation amidst all troubles in Burkina Faso, shining as light and salt.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.(Matthew 5:13-16, NIV)
2. The influence of Islamic extremist armed groups, such as ISIS, which emerged during the “Arab Spring” and the Syrian civil war, has spread to Africa, where these groups are actively engaging in attacks, killings, and destruction. Their ruthless violence and terrorism have claimed the lives of many people, including Christians. Additionally, most of the displaced Christians are suffering from hunger and disease as they flee for safety. Let us pray for the defeat of Satan, who operates behind these armed groups seeking to bring destruction. May their forces be disrupted and neutralized. Furthermore, let us ask the Lord to save the poor souls of Africa through the Church, despite the ongoing attacks and threats.
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.(John 10:9-10, 14-15, NIV)
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