Peace amid violence

BURKINA FASO

The world is watching as events unfold in the West African country of Burkina Faso. Every week there are more stories of threats and terrorist attacks. Most of the dangerous activity is happening in the Sahel region in the north, near the border with Mali, and in the east near Niger, Togo and Benin. These attacks and threats have caused much suffering and anguish due to loss of life and displacement.

The church is growing and adapting, aware that this is an opportunity to witness for Christ under difficult circumstances. I have had telephone conversations with church leaders in Burkina Faso who have helped me understand the current situation.

Terrorist activity

The Global Terrorism Index has calculated that Burkina Faso is now the second most impacted country in the world in terms of terrorist activity. In 2022 Burkina Faso had the highest number of terrorist-related deaths compared to other countries. Kidnappings, exploding mines, burned down schools and village massacres make headlines as jihadists unleash violence.

Government response

Two successive military coups toppled the governments in 2022, seemingly because not enough progress was being made against terrorism. “Burkina Faso’s political instability and high state of tension culminated in a coup in September 2022, the country’s second in a year. This increased internal conflict has diverted the attention of security forces towards combating Islamist insurgency, and weakened efforts to maintain law and order” (Global Terrorism Index 2023 report, p. 22).

General effects

Almost two million people have left their homes in the north and moved to the south. The displacement of these people has created social turmoil affecting the whole country. Schools are overcrowded. People suffer from trauma as they recall the threatening situations they’ve left behind and feel unrooted and disoriented in the new places to which they have fled. Finding enough food to eat is difficult for people who have left their fields and cattle behind in the urgency of escaping danger. Schools, mosques and churches are closed in many northern regions.

Effects on church ministry

The government has warned churches to keep gatherings small. In January 2023 the Mennonite church was concerned they would have to cancel their annual gathering of churches. Fortunately, they were able to conduct their meetings, but not without constant awareness of the danger around them. Now in April the warning has once again been given by authorities to keep group meetings small.

Despite this, churches are growing, ministry continues, and the Word of God is proclaimed. Radio evangelism continues, Bible translation continues, worship services continue, prayer meetings continue.

Most recently the government has asked churches to contribute financially to support the purchase of arms in the fight against terrorism. The Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso, which holds to a position of peace and non-violence, is considering how best to respond to this government request. They are considering the question of whether such contributions would honour the work of Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. They ask for your prayers.

In conclusion, here is part of a prayer request sent out by Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM): “Thank God for his protection of church members and for their faithful witness in this challenging security situation. Thank God too for the church’s diverse ministries of Bible translation, evangelization, micro-enterprise loans, radio ministry, and international mission outreach. Pray for continued protection from terrorist attacks and that the church finds fruitful ways to build peace in communities across the country.”