In early October, terrorists killed at least 150 people, including many Christians, in northeastern Burkina Faso, revealing their increasing brutality and determination to spread terror in a country where insurgents now control over half of the territory.
On Sunday, 6 October 2024, a new terrorist attack took place in the town of Manni in the East Region of Burkina Faso. Various local sources told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the death toll exceeded 150. The town is home to a large Catholic community, and many Christians, as well as Muslims, were killed in the massacre.
The sources told ACN that the terrorists first cut mobile phone networks before attacking the local market, where many people had gathered after Mass. They then opened fire indiscriminately, looted shops and set fire to several buildings, burning some victims alive. The same sources reported that the next day, the perpetrators returned to attack medical staff and kill the many wounded in the city’s hospital. A new incursion took place on Tuesday, 8 October, when the terrorists again invaded the town of Manni, massacring all the men they could find.
Many of the victims were residents from nearby villages who had sought refuge in Manni after being driven out of their homes by terrorists. “The situation is beyond horrific,” one of the local sources told ACN. “But even if the terrorists burned everything, they didn’t burn our faith!”
In a message on 9 October addressed to priests, consecrated persons and laity, Bishop Pierre Claver Malgo, of the Diocese of Fada N’Gourma, described the attack as “barbaric”, and expressed his “sincere compassion for all the bereaved families” insisting that “any threat to the dignity of man and to his life must touch the very heart of the Church”. The bishop also stressed the importance of not losing heart and keeping hope alive “for a better tomorrow”.
The attack in Manni comes amid a continuing deterioration of the security situation in Burkina Faso, where armed extremist groups have intensified their offensives, targeting both security forces and civilians. For several years in a row, Burkina Faso has endured the highest level of extremist violence in the entire Sahel region. At the end of August, the country experienced the worst terrorist attack in its history in Barsalogho. Since then, estimates of those who were killed in the attack have risen to a least 400 dead, according to information gathered by the foundation. Burkina Faso now has more than two million displaced people.
According to ACN sources, who have closely followed the situation in the country, the terrorists are attempting to divide the population, which is otherwise known for its harmony between Muslims and Christians. The Catholic Church is doing everything it can to maintain these good relations.
In response to the escalating violence, ACN has stepped up its emergency aid to Burkina Faso in recent years. Faced with the immense suffering and the significant needs of the Burkinabe population, which have been largely ignored by the international community, several of ACN’s national offices have chosen to dedicate their Christmas campaign to this West African country.
By Sina Hartert.
