Source: www.persecution.org
Date: April 11, 2023
Burkina Faso (International Christian Concern) – Islamic extremists recently launched multiple attacks in northern Burkina Faso. The militants targeted Kourakou and Tondobi villages and left at least 44 people dead on April 6-7.
Burkina Faso has struggled with a rise in jihadism over the last several years. Militants linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS began initiating violent attacks in Burkina Faso, mostly starting in 2015. The violence seen in Burkina Faso is part of a broader trend of jihadism that has displaced 2.3 million people across West Africa’s Sahel region.
In 2021, Burkina Faso experienced a record year of conflict and replaced Mali as the epicenter of Sahel terrorism. On June 4, 2021, the country underwent the bloodiest attack yet in its six-year struggle with jihadists, when Al-Qaeda affiliates killed more than 135 civilians over the course of two nights. Seven months and several attacks later, soldiers staged a coup and announced a government run by a military junta.
As of 2023, the country has not been successful in curbing the spread of violence and still struggles with one of the bloodiest jihadist insurrections in the Sahel region. The violence has created the worst humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso’s history. According to the United Nations, one in five citizens —some 4.7 million people — are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for peace and comfort for those who are grieving. Pray for an end to violent extremism in Burkina Faso. Pray for provision for those who have been displaced.