Hostile
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has seen a sharp rise in Islamist activity since 2016. Militants linked to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaida have crossed porous borders in the north to broaden their influence in the Sahel region. Christians have been a primary target of the Islamists’ campaign since April 2019, when approximately 70 Christians were killed and five churches were attacked. More than 1,300 churches have reportedly closed in northern and eastern Burkina Faso because of security issues and threat of attack. Islamist activity also has increased in the southwestern part of the country, with more attacks on churches and the murder of several pastors. More than 200,000 Christians have been driven from their homes as a result of violence and threats against Christians throughout the country. More than 2 million people in total have been displaced by the conflict, adding to an already strained economy amid political uncertainty.
Major Religion
Just over half of Burkinabe are Muslims. Approximately 21 percent are Christian.
Persecutor
The main persecutors are Islamists linked to al-Qaida and ISIS terrorist groups.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN BURKINA FASO
Large churches operate openly in the capital, and until recently even Christians living among Muslims in some villages had freedom to practice their faith. However, attacks against Christians have increased dramatically in recent years, and today, few Christians remain in the northern and southwestern parts of the country.
Access to Bibles
Bibles in French and the Mooré language are readily available in the capital, but few Bibles are available in minority languages. Distribution is difficult because of security issues in the countryside. The literacy rate is less than 35 percent nationwide. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM is supporting the families of pastors martyred by terrorist groups linked to al-Qaida and ISIS. VOM is also providing aid to numerous displaced Christians who have fled recurring attacks in the northern part of the country. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Burkina Faso
- Pray for new Christians who choose to be baptized, knowing they could be beaten or killed for their faith.
- Pray for Christian women to have ministry opportunities after losing their church communities in Islamist attacks.
- Pray that Christians who have been attacked by Islamists will experience God's strength and healing.
- Pray that evangelists who received solar projectors will have opportunities to share the gospel.
- Pray that Fulani converts who have left Islam to follow Christ will deepen their faith.
