People flee their homes as violence engulfs Burkina Faso

In the last few weeks, the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso has escalated dramatically. 

According to the UN, nearly half a million people have been affected. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes.

Much of the country has become engulfed in fighting between armed groups, making it hard for Tearfund’s partners and other humanitarian workers to reach those most in need.

One of our partners has been forced to stop doing its life-saving work in an area of the Sahel region. Our partners in the north of the country are on high alert because of the security situation.

Deadly persecution
Churches have also been targeted in the attacks. In an interview with Catholic agency ACN last August, Bishop Laurent Dabire of Dori said: ‘If the world continues to do nothing, the result will be the elimination of the Christian presence.’

Richard Yao, Tearfund’s Country Director for Burkina Faso, says: ‘The church is crying out for help. We’re praying for the security of all Christians, and for freedom of belief in the midst of the shadow of death hanging over the north of the country.’

Tearfund has been working in Burkina Faso since the 1970s, and currently works with five partner organisations across the country.

Join us in prayer for this rapidly developing and concerning crisis.

PLEASE PRAY

• Ask God to be with those people who have been forced from their homes, and pray they will be protected and provided for.

• Pray for all Christians and for our staff and partners as they work in challenging circumstances. 

• Lift up the political situation in Burkina Faso as the nation prepares for next year's presidential elections.