Catholic Charity Foundation Launches Funds Drive in Portugal to Support Victims of Jihadist Attacks in Burkina Faso

Catarina says that while attention is given to conflicts in Ukraine and in the Middle East, little is known about the killings and displacements in the West African nation of Burkina Faso.

She says, “Every day, when the news comes on, we learn about the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip and now also in Lebanon. Many people believe that these are the only places where battles are fought. This is a complete mistake.”

“The reality is even harsher, as there are many forgotten wars,” the ACN official says, and adds, “Unfortunately, many of these conflicts are ignored. They take place almost in silence, far from the spotlight of the press, radio and television. One of these countries is Burkina Faso.”

ACN has been detailing attacks against Christians in Burkina Faso, a situation that, according to the charity foundation, has compelled Catechists in the country to join the fight against persecution.

One of the recent attacks in the country's Eastern town of Manni left at least 150 people dead. 

More in Africa

Spiritan Kidnapped in Nigeria Released, “alive and in good health”: Congregation Reports

Read the article

The November 8 ACN “solidarity campaign” appeal is for solidarity with “the small but tormented” Christian community of Burkina Faso.

The Pontifical charity foundation describes the Christian community in Burkina Faso as the target of constant attacks by armed jihadist groups seeking to establish a 'caliphate' in the region, where Christians have no place.

According to ACN, insecurity in Burkina Faso has been growing day by day, leading to the flight of more than 2 million people who the Catholic charity foundation says have been taking refuge in internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps. 

In the “solidarity campaign” appeal to benefactors in Portugal, Catarina says that the camps, which have been holding displaced people in Burkina Faso “have become the cruelest portrait of the suffering and desolation of these people who, for years, have been fighting daily for their survival.”

The aim of the funds drive is to directly help victims of attacks in Burkina Faso, and support the local Church that tries to help, as best it can, the Christian community and all victims of jihadist violence.

So far, ACN has stepped up its humanitarian efforts, distributing food, providing health care, education and spiritual support to the thousands of displaced people in the West African country.

However, more is needed, says the Director of the ACN Portuguese Secretariat, adding, “That is why we have launched this solidarity campaign in support of our Christian brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso, who, despite being threatened, have shown us unwavering courage and faith.”

To promote the ACN campaign dubbed, “Burkina Faso – Sorrowful Cross”, the Catholic charity foundation has published a small magazine in which stories and testimonies of Christians who have suffered first-hand from terrorist violence in this African country are told.

The charity foundation says that anyone who wishes to receive the Bulletin or collaborate in the “Burkina Faso – Cruz Dolorosa” campaign can do so by contacting the foundation directly on 217544000 or at fundacao-ais.pt.