20 Burkina Faso
What does persecution look like in Burkina Faso?
Thanks to ongoing political instability, the impact of Islamic militant groups has remained steady over the last several years. There were two military coups in 2022, which contributed to civilian deaths, but the number of faith-related violent incidents decreased in 2023—though the danger has not truly subsided. The country has one of the world’s most severe displacement crises—with many Christians among the displaced—and the military government has faced accusations of war crimes. With this backdrop, Christians attempting to follow Jesus in Burkina Faso must try to do so without any sense of security or safety, even in places where Islamic militants were previously unable to reach.
What changed this year?
The continued violence in Burkina Faso shows that there is continuing instability. In some parts of the country, there may simply be no Christians to kidnap or kill. In these areas, churches and villages lie vacant because all the believers were forced to flee to safer regions. And yet, even some those “safer” parts of the country are risky for Christians as the country and Africa’s Sahel region continues to experience political turmoil. Coups in bordering countries Mali and Niger also contributed to worsening instability in Burkina Faso and the increase of Islamic militants who run rampant around the region. Additionally, the pressure for converts from Islam has grown—it remains difficult to follow Jesus out of Islam.
How can I pray?
- As the violence continues in Burkina Faso, pray for all those affected by abductions, sexual violence and death. Ask God to heal their hearts and souls, and to comfort those who mourn.
- Pray for Christians displaced by Islamic militant violence. Pray that God would bind up their wounds and help them realize the global Church is praying for them.
- Pray for Open Doors’ local partners as they try to navigate a changing political reality and humanitarian crises. Ask God to give them wisdom and love.
- Pray that God will use Open Doors’ programs, led by our partners, to bring hope, restoration and love to persecuted believers.