WORLD WATCH LIST

Burkina Faso

#20

Christians are targets of violent persecution from Islamic extremist groups.

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“We were constantly surrounded by guns. They would kill you if you didn’t perform the Muslim prayers.” 

– Habiba

Country
Profile

Region: Africa
Sources of persecution: Islamic Oppression
Population: 22,721,000
Christian population: 5,315,000
Religions: Islam
Leader: President Ibrahim Traore
Score: 75

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What’s Life Like For Christians?

Due to ongoing political instability, the impact of Islamic extremist 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 extremists were previously unable to reach. 

Burkina Faso used to be the epitome of religious cohesion, but Islamic extremist influence has managed to erode much of the peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. Now, in addition to facing violence and threats from Islamic extremists, Christian converts from Islam face increasing pressure and even threats from their families and communities, simply because they follow Jesus. These believers have sometimes become afraid to share their faith in public because they could be rejected by their families. They also know their communities could try to force them to renounce their faith in Christ.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

Converts from Islam face the most intense persecution in Burkina Faso, but all believers risk attack from Islamic militants, particularly any Christians in the country’s northern and eastern regions. 

Christian women are victims of various kinds of targeting. There is a high potential for women and girls to be abducted by extremists during raids; female converts from Islam are especially vulnerable to abduction and forced marriage.

PRAY FOR BURKINA FASO

– Pray for healing for those affected by abductions and sexual violence.

– Pray for Christians displaced by Islamic militant violence.

– Pray for Open Doors’ partners as they try to navigate a changing political reality.

What Does Open Doors Do To Help?

Open Doors works through local partners to strengthen Christians in Burkina Faso by providing persecution survival training, relief aid, spiritual support, and trauma care.