The locals, who tried to protect themselves by digging trenches, were no match for the armed jihadists, who shot them and left the corpses and the injured behind. The town of Barsalogho has offered shelter for over 90,000 Christian refugees, and has been a primary target of Islamist extremists, who are trying to weaken the influence of Western governments in the area. Schools and churches are regularly attacked, Christians live in fear of kidnapping and murder on a daily basis. More than two million people have been misplaced due to jihadist violence. People are subject to terror, famine, droughts – all of which have contributed to the humanitarian crisis in the region. The recurring attacks leave them in a state of panic and despair.

Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International – an organisation supporting persecuted Christians all over Burkina Faso – stated: “Christians in Burkina Faso have been suffering attacks and displacement for several years now and many of those in Barsalogho had already fled from their homes and communities further north – thinking they would be safe there. However, these militant groups have proved that they will stop at nothing to seize control and impose their interpretation of Islam on everyone by force.”

According to a Release International aid worker: “Many Christian families have been forced to flee their villages because of the threat of attack. These displacements impact daily life, affecting access to basic services, education and the means of basic subsistence”. 

The organisation offers support to local pastors and their families in Burkina Faso. They provide food, hygiene products and help Christians find work whenever possible. They also offer education to the children from misplaced families. 

Source: https://www.christiantoday.com/