CWR/Vatican News—During Mass on Sunday morning, February 25, 2024, the pastor was among the 15 Catholic civilians killed in a Catholic Church in Essakane-Village, in the diocese of Dori, in the northeast of Burkina Faso, Africa. The diocese of Dori, which released the information in an obituary press release, invites people to pray for the rest of those who died and for their families; but also “for the conversion of those who continue to sow death and desolation in our country”.
The Catholic Community of Essakane-Village was gathered for Mass early this Sunday it was targeted by an attack by a terrorist gang. “The provisional report shows 15 faithful killed,” writes the diocese of Dori in its obituary press release signed by Father Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, vicar general. 12 people died on site and three others died at the CSPS as a result of their injuries. The attack also left two people injured.
The diocese invites people to pray “for the rest in God of those who died in faith, for the healing of the wounded and for the consolation of grieving hearts.” Imploring peace and security for Burkina Faso, the press release also calls for prayer “for the conversion of those who continue to sow death and desolation in our country”.
Ongoing Terrorism in Burkina Faso
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has seen regular attacks by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, active in several regions and causing significant instability. Nearly two million people have been forced to move within the country due to the violence, which has left at least 20,000 dead. The transitional government resulting from the coup d’état of September 30, 2023, and led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has made the fight against jihadists its hobby horse.
Source: Vatican News French Africa Edition and BBC
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