Christians attacked in Niger

Since 2015, there has been an Islamist insurgency in Niger and Burkina Faso. Christians have been particularly vulnerable during this insurgency. ACN has learned that the Church was attacked in recent assaults in southwestern Niger.

By ACN Staff

A displaced child in Burkina Faso. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

The international pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has received news of a Islamist terrorist attack on the towns of Fantio and Dolbel, in the southwestern region of Tillabéri in Niger. Survivors of the attack fled to the Dori region in neighbouring Burkina Faso. The refugees consist of a group of women with small children and babies.

Refugees in Burkina Faso. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

According to these witnesses to the attacks, the terrorists attacked the places on two occasions, killing the men. The two towns were abandoned by the rest of the residents. In Fantio, the Islamists burned a statue of the Virgin Mary, liturgical books and musical instruments. They then desecrated the Blessed Sacrament by spreading the sacred hosts on the ground and finally set fire to the church. This is the third parish in this part of Niger that has been abandoned due to terrorist attacks and incursions by extremist groups. Survivors of the attacks flee to Niamey, seek refuge in the parish of Téra, or crossed the border to the Diocese of Dori in Burkina Faso.

Islamist terrorist groups began to extend their reach into Burkina Faso and Niger in 2015. These groups are affiliated with Al Qaeda and ISIS. According to ACN’s Religious Freedom in the World Report, the area has become one of the hotspots for militant jihadism in Africa. In the meantime, the number of internally displaced persons in Burkina Faso has grown to about one million.

ACN has been supporting the Catholic Church in Burkina Faso by helping those who have experienced Islamist violence to return to normal life. To achieve this aim, a primary focus of its relief efforts is on projects that work to alleviate trauma. If you would like to help us in our work please consider making a donation and keep the Christians of Niger and Burkina Faso in your prayers.