Over the last few years, Burkina Faso has risen sharply on the World Watch List owing to a spike in violence against followers of Jesus. The rise of violent Islamist extremists has forced Christians to flee, and even cities that used to be safe are now at risk of attack. Believers living in areas where militant groups are active, risk being kidnapped, displaced or worse. Christians have been targeted and killed and churches destroyed. Because of jihadist activity, hundreds of churches have been closed.   

Additionally, converts from Islam can face more general pressure. Family and community members reject converts and attempt to force them to renounce their faith.