Burkina Faso: Islamist armed groups threatens Christians and civilians
According to new report, more than 250 people have been killed since April 2019 in Burkina Faso, many among them are Christians.
In a recent report of Human Rights Watch witnesses said the assailants intentionally targeted individuals linked to government, the West and members of Christian communities.
The armed Islamist groups responsible for the attacks began operating in neighboring Mali and from 2016 spread into Burkina Faso. Initially concentrated in Burkina Faso’s northern Sahel region, the attacks have steadily spread to the Nord, Centre-Nord, Boucle du Mouhoun, and Est regions.
According to UNHCR, despite government efforts, the security situation in Burkina Faso, especially in the northern part of the country has worsened.
Since last April, Christians have been subjected to targeted attacks from Protestant and Catholic denominations. In a case they were forced to adandon their faith and religious materials have been ignited.
At the beginning of December 2019, Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and for the Hungary Helps Program visited Burkina Faso and reinforced the Hungarian commitment to help persecuted communities and people in need.
Tristan Azbej during his visitation met with Alpha Barry Minister of Foreign Affairs in Burkina Faso and had a conversation with Ioli Kimyaci, local representative of UNHCR too.
See full report here.
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