The Salvation Army Provides Essential Help to Attacked Community in Burkina Faso

The Salvation Army in Burkina Faso is working alongside the government to support families displaced following a terrorist attack in Solhan

THE Salvation Army in Burkina Faso is working alongside the government to support families displaced following a terrorist attack on the northern village of Solhan. At least 160 people were killed in what President Roch Kabore described as a ‘barbaric’ attack. He declared three days of national mourning and wrote: ‘We must stand united against the forces of evil.’

Attacks such as the one in Solhan have become all too common in recent years, particularly on border communities. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that around 1.2 million people have been displaced since 2019 – an astonishing number in a country whose total population is just over 20 million.

Working with the government, The Salvation Army was made aware of urgent needs in two temporary camps near Solhan. As an initial effort, funds have been made available through International Headquarters to provide food and essential hygiene items to 2,000 families (up to 10,000 people).

Projects Officer Tim Poudiougou reports that the government is hugely grateful for The Salvation Army’s assistance. It recognises, he says, the movement’s expertise in ‘helping suffering populations’.

Options are being considered as to how The Salvation Army can provide longer-term assistance to displaced people and some of the host communities, with funding currently being sought.
 

Report by IHQ Communications
International Headquarters

IHQ Communications

Discover more

Faith-Based Facilitation
Strategy and impact

Faith-Based Facilitation

Faith-Based Facilitation is a way of helping people think, talk, explore and respond to issues in the light of faith.

Volunteers unload supplies from a Salvation Army emergency vehicle
Emergency response
USA Southern

The Salvation Army responds to catastrophic Texas floods

Emergency Disaster Services teams are working around the clock to provide meals, drinks and emotional and spiritual care to communities in Central Texas, USA, following the devastating flooding of the Guadalupe River.

World map with countries highlighted in different colours
Strategy and impact

World Map

A downloadable map showing countries in which The Salvation Army is at work.

A group of young Salvationists in front of the exhibition 'Transforming lives for 160 years'
International Headquarters

Salvation Army celebrates 160 years; anticipates powerful future

Transforming lives and communities since 1865

Modern slavery and human trafficking

Spot the Signs

Driven by poverty, conflict, persecution – and the global demand for cheap goods, labour and sex – modern slavery and human trafficking are thriving worldwide. Yes, even in your own community.

Victims often can’t ask for help. They rely on others – on

Prayer

International Prayer Focus Calendar

Each week, Salvationists around the world unite in praying for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another.