09/03/2020 Burkina Faso (International Christian Concern) – Burkina Faso is facing a continuing crisis created by the actions of several violent jihadist groups in the Northern part of the country. In previous posts, it has been shown how these groups have affected the population of Northern Burkina Faso, displacing millions, and causing a food shortage. These violent groups are also greatly affecting the young populations of Burkina Faso in an immense way. According to Relief Web, “by end-2019, more than 3,300 schools were shut, affecting almost 650,000 children and more than 16,000 teachers.”
This loss of so many schools, will greatly affect the future of this country. With so many children out of school and forced to flee from their homes, the next generation of Burkina Faso will suffer from a lack of knowledge. This could set the country back years in terms of development and potential.
Attacking schools and education is a main tactic of many radical groups around the world. As literacy and education decrease, communities and individuals become much susceptible to radical groups. Also as communities are impoverished they become much more susceptible to radical groups who offer up employment or the hope of riches and prosperity. The government in Burkina Faso has been fighting hard to try and stop the incursion by jihadist groups moving South from Mali. Despite their efforts, the groups have been able to establish a strong foothold in the country. Please pray for these highly affected and persecuted communities. Both Christians and Muslims are being attacked by these ruthless and evil terror groups. Also please pray that the children who have lost out on their education would be able to continue their learning either at home or in new schools.
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