200+ killed in Burkina Faso attacks

At least 200 civilians have been killed in eastern Burkina Faso, following repeated attacks by jihadists.

At least 200 civilians have been killed in eastern Burkina Faso, following repeated attacks by jihadists.

The series of attacks started on 5 October when a military patrol was ambushed, and 17 soldiers were killed. The next day, the violence continued when the armed men attacked the local market in Manni village. It isn’t known how many of those murdered are Christians but, according to Open Doors local partners, the area is home to a large Christian community.

Repeated brutal attacks

“The terrorists first hit the local market where many inhabitants had gathered after mass,” reports Agenzia Fides. “Then they went into the houses and shops to kill those who had taken refuge there, and set fire on them, burning the victims alive. The next day they returned, setting fire on cars, shooting at medical personnels and other individuals.”

Local sources share that Manni was considered a safer place to be, and many who were living there had fled jihadist violence in other villages. All the surviving inhabitants of Manni have left the village, including all remaining Christians.

Open Doors partners planning to help

“Given the continued instability, we are coordinating with local contacts to locate internally displaced people (IDPs) who fled Manni and surrounding villages,” shares Open Doors’ lead for work in West Africa. Open Doors field teams continue to monitor the situation and seek other ways to provide support to the displaced and affected Christians.

In sub-Saharan Africa, there are 16.2 million Christians who are displaced by violence and conflict, and these recent attacks are the latest example of a trend of escalating violence in the region. The church in Africa is calling upon the global body of Christ to stand with them – and one way you can do that is by signing the Arise Africa petition, calling for protection, justice and restoration. The petition will be open for at least another year, and is intended to be presented to the UN, the EU, the African Union, the UK Government and other local governments.

Please keep praying for all Christians affected in the region. Together, we can stop the violence and start the healing.