A devastating terrorist attack has left the nation of Burkina Faso reeling, with nearly 200 people killed and many more injured.
The attack occurred in the town of Barsalogho, where residents were digging defensive trenches to protect themselves against terrorist attacks.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as “absolute carnage” as more than 100 jihadists appeared on motorcycles, opening fire on civilians and soldiers alike. Women, children, and elderly people were among those killed.
The Al Qaeda-linked militant group known as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) is suspected to have carried out the murders.
In response to the tragedy, the Bishop of Kaya has declared August 28 a Diocesan Day of Mourning.
“We are all well aware that what is happening to us is the consequence of intolerance, of our rejection of God’s law of love, of our injustices, of our complicity with evil and with wrongdoers.
“None of this can be justified in any way. Therefore, while I offer you my encouragement, I would also like to exhort you to penitence and conversion so that the God of Mercy may give us the healing and consolation that we expect from Him,” Bishop Théophile Nare said.
In his August 27 release, Nare declared August 28 a Diocesan Day of Mourning for what he called “our martyrs”.
“With this brief message, I therefore urge you to observe Wednesday 28 August as a diocesan day of mourning for our martyrs, whether they are Christians (there are already 22 Christians that the community of Barsalgho has buried) or of other religious affiliations,” Nare said.
The bishop also announced Triduum of prayer – including Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and a community rosary – from August 29-31 “to implore the grace of the conversion of creatures and for reparation for all the attacks on human life, all the innocent blood spilt like water by mankind.”
The attack has solicited reactions from across the globe. The Bishop of Nimes in France wrote in a condolence letter to his colleague of Kaya said he was saddened by the news of the “tragic massacre.”
“We are at a loss for words to express our dismay and deep sadness. We stand at your side, yours and that of all the people of Burkina Faso,” Bishop Nicolas Brouwet wrote.
The United Nations Secretary-General has condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
“The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the transition authorities in their fight against terrorism and calls on them to ensure that those responsible for these despicable acts are held to account,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on behalf of the Secretary General.
This attack is the latest in a string of deadly terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, which has left the nation on high alert. The security situation continues to deteriorate, with no end in sight.
Groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State began their murderous campaign in Burkina Faso in 2015. Thousands of people have been killed as a result, with 2023 alone recording over 7,000 deaths, and the displacement of more than two million people.
Terrorists Kill Nearly 200 In Burkina Faso’s Deadliest Attack is first published on The Whistler Newspaper