Burkina Faso: Latest Terrorist Attack Kills At Least 200
The latest extremist attack in Sub-Saharan Africa has killed at least 200 individuals.
On Saturday, August 24, terrorists opened fire on civilians and soldiers in the town of Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, who were working to dig a security trench around the town. At least 200 people were killed.
The attack, considered to be one of the deadliest thus far in Burkina Faso in 2024, was claimed by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of al-Qaeda.
Mahamadou Sana, Burkina Faso’s security minister, said in a state television broadcast “…we will make sure that the enemy knows that we will never again accept such barbarity in our territory…in any case, we want to assure the Burkinabe people that we are committed to protecting the Burkinabe and their property and will stand firm.”
The military has come under fire from the especially the family of those killed as many were volunteers helping the security forces dig trenches to protect Barsalagho.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Ben Saul, condemned the terrorist attack.
“I extend my deepest sympathy and solidarity to the victims and their families,” Saul said.
“Terrorist violence against civilians destroys human rights, including the rights to life and personal security and bodily and mental integrity,” he said. “Terrorism also undermines civil and political rights, democracy and the rule of law, socio-economic rights and development”.
Field comment
“Open Doors strongly condemns the attack on civilians and joins the calls on government at all levels to keep civilians safe and bring to justice all who are found to be involved in these acts of brutality” said an Open Doors spokesperson for the work in SSA.
“The millions of Burkinabe people that have already been affected by the violence are living in constant flux – bereaved and severely traumatized. The immediate and long-term human cost of the violence must not be allowed to continue in this manner. All human beings have the right to protection no matter their faith, ethnicity, or gender.”
“We further call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer over this devastating situation. Pray for an end to the Islamist violence as government at all levels diligently, impartially, and transparently address the violence and its effects. Pray for provision for the Church in Burkina Faso as she seeks to bring physical and spiritual assistance to the affected.”
ARISE AFRICA
Arise Africa is a multi-year campaign from Open Doors to see the church in Sub-Saharan Africa strengthened in the midst of violent persecution.
Learn how you can stand with your brothers and sisters by adding your voice.
Pray
Pray for all those affected by the latest attack. Pray that God will be a comfort to the widowed and orphaned.
Pray for peace to return to Burkina Faso.
Pray for wisdom for the Church in Burkina Faso as they minister to all who have been affected.
Pray that the government of Burkina Faso will diligently, impartially, and transparently address the violence and its effects.
