Although the security situation has improved in recent months, it is still impossible to sojourn in certain areas of Burkina Faso where terrorist groups are wreaking havoc, Bishop Laurent Dabire of Dori, located in the north of the country, told Aid to the Church in Need. After a few months of ceasefire between April and September 2020, the diocese’s area has experienced at least ten terrorist attacks since 10 September 2020. However, the attacks have decreased, resulting in fewer deaths. Several parishes in Burkina Faso are completely closed, the bishop said. The Diocese of Dori, however, continues to operate. “It ensures the Catholic presence in the Sahel, albeit in a small area and with difficulties.”
Then, in addition to the unstable security situation, there are the dangers of the Corona pandemic. “We are caught between two fronts”, the bishop explains.
In the face of so much adversity, Bishop Dabire is impressed by the strength of faith of his parishioners. “Our believers are characterised by perseverance and resilience. For them, it’s a matter of living the faith, whatever the cost.” The past Christmas in particular filled him with great joy.
The traditional children’s Christmas had to be cancelled this time due to the special conditions in the town of Djibo, and it was precisely the Muslim children who were so saddened by it that he decided to hold it after all. “It was a great experience. Long live the children!”, rejoices the Burkinabe bishop.
You can read the whole interview here.
