On October 6, Islamist terrorists attacked a market in Manni, Burkina Faso, killing dozens of people. The terrorists timed the attack to coincide with the end of Sunday Mass, when a large group of  people would be in the market area. They cut the phone lines, started looting, set buildings ablaze, and killed people without discrimination.

After the initial attack, the terrorists came back the next day to the scene, killing the wounded and members of the medical team that arrived to save the victims lives. Even after the second attack, they returned to the village and killed the men they could not massacre during the previous attacks. These brutal attacks claimed more than 150 lives, both Christians and Muslims.

In recent months, the Islamists increased the intensity and number of their attacks. As a consequence, many people had to leave, Christians and Muslims alike, and look for shelter in other areas, such as in the town of Manni. Despite the tragic and horrible events, the local Christian community stands strong in their faith.

“Even if the terrorists burned everything, they didn’t burn our faith!”

According to Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic organization that helps the persecuted Christians worldwide, Burkina Faso has the highest violence level in the Sahel region. After the brutal attack, the Catholic community stands fast with its dedication to promote interfaith dialogue and peace in Burkina Faso.

Source: ACI Africa