The Diocese of Ouahigouya, located in Burkina Faso’s North and Centre-North regions, is grappling with the devastating effects of terrorism. Over 70,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) are seeking refuge in the diocese, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods. Fleeing to survive, these IDPs have left everything behind, and they find refuge in the schools and parish halls of the diocese.

Host families have been able to take in some displaced people, whilst makeshift shelters have been set up for other families. Voluntary contributions of food were made to help those in need. As well as material assistance, the victims of the terrorist attacks need psychological support to help them overcome the violent trauma they have suffered.

Prepare Church workers for their trauma-healing mission

The victims of terrorism have endured extreme violence, including witnessing brutal killings, abductions, and forced displacement. Many are traumatized, with some unable to speak or consumed by a desire for revenge. To address this, the Diocese of Ouahigouya is focusing on providing psycho-spiritual support through its priests, sisters, catechists, and other pastoral agents. These workers are on the front lines, offering spiritual care, but need specialized training to effectively accompany trauma survivors.

“Our diocesan Church would like to make its contribution to this re-humanisation, which is essential for peaceful coexistence between peoples and harmonious living”, explains Fr. Jean Pierre Sakouri, Vicar General of Ouahigouya to ACN. “In view of the extent of the terrorist situation in most of our parishes, [we must] prepare pastoral workers to integrate the reality of terrorism into the proclamation of the Good News and the animation of Christian communities in the manner of the Church’s strategy in the catacombs as shown by the history of the Church”.

To improve psycho-spiritual care, the diocese seeks to train 360 pastoral workers (religious men and women, catechists and teachers, nuns, catechists and priests) in addressing trauma caused by terrorism. This training will help them to adapt to the new context and to provide the adequate psychological and spiritual care to be able to cope and heal. Thus, the Church will continue her mission and, at the same time, provide psycho-social care to vulnerable people such as IDPs, promote education in non-violence, strengthen inter-religious dialogue, and adapt her ministry to the needs of displaced communities. The work of all these carers will benefit the many IDPs and victims of terrorism, particularly children.

Your generosity will enable the Church in Burkina Faso to continue its mission of healing and reconciliation in a region suffering from violence and terror. Only the love of Christ can save these victims of terrorism, but the Church needs to be prepared for the depth of the trauma that will spiritually torment so many.