Pray for Burkina Faso

“Unity — Progress — Justice” became the motto of Burkina Faso after it gained independence in 1960. In 1984, it adopted the name Burkina Faso, which means “Land of Honorable People.” The culture values hospitality, politeness, and respect for elders, and family is central to the people’s identity and the nation’s social structure. Family life is shaped by patrilineal descent and clan affiliation, and men hold most of the authority. Progress in healthcare, the economy, and education has been made over the last few decades, but development has slowed down since two successive military coups overthrew the government in 2022. Elections have been postponed indefinitely, and the nation currently faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

Burkina Faso is one of the world’s poorest countries. Around 80 percent of the population depends on farming or informal employment, which provide little financial security, made even more difficult by the  savanna’s unpredictable rainfall. Food insecurity is widespread. Poverty, drought, and lack of employment opportunities have led many to migrate to Côte d’Ivoire both seasonally and long-term. The government struggles to provide quality public services, like education, healthcare, and access to electricity and the internet. Life expectancy is also extremely low, and the median age is approximately 18 years. Malaria has devastated the nation, and sanitation reforms are much needed. Adult literacy falls around 40 percent, among the lowest in the world, and thousands of schools have closed. Armed extremist groups have brought terrorism and insecurity to the nation. Women also face significant discrimination. Half of girls are married before the age of 18, polygamy is legal and practiced, and over half of women have experienced female genital mutilation.

Approximately half the population is Muslim and the remainder is mainly divided among Christians and ethnic religions. Many people practice traditional religious beliefs, like believing in spirits, witchcraft, and fortune tellers, and many even practice these alongside Islam and Christianity. The Church needs trained leaders, strong discipleship, resources, and a passion for evangelism. Over half of the languages spoken in Burkina Faso do not have a complete Bible translation. Christians face persecution from Islamist extremists as terrorism has taken a stronger foothold in the country, particularly since the 2022 military coups. Many churches and homes have been destroyed, and Christians face threats and attacks. May God bring unity, progress, and justice to this land.