AEA Brings Hope to Burkina Faso’s Displaced Communities

In response to the earlier reported severity of the situation in Burkina Faso that has led to severe displacement crises of around two million people – majority of these being Christians who have been forced to flee due to rising jihadist activities, AEA and Barnabas Aid recently implemented a relief project in collaboration with the National Evangelical Alliance (FEME). The relief project was implemented in four sites: Gampela, Nangrango, Zinyare and Loumbila.

AEA’s Head of Communications and Programs, Jim Olang, and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Melissa Mushamalirwa, travelled to Burkina Faso to stand with the displaced and offer relief. Upon arrival, they were received by local church and humanitarian leaders, including Pastor Amazaye, programs officer at FEME; Dr. Henri Ye, immediate former President of FEME; and Jonas Sawadogo, former Compassion International West Africa manager and current Africa Services National Director in Burkina Faso.

The team was hosted by Dr. Vincent Ilboudo, the new President of FEME and President of the Apostolic Church of Burkina Faso and had an incredible time of fellowship with these leaders and their congregants. They were grateful and humbled by the warm hospitality of Dr. Ilboudo, who graciously hosted them and spent much of the day with them.

At the Gampela site, the relief delivered consisted of food and school fee support to 50 refugee family households; these were well received as a testament of true Christianity – standing with those in need. The team had an opportunity to engage with local media through an interview with Impact TV Burkina, to raise awareness about the urgent needs of the displaced.

AEA continues to affirm its commitment to standing with those affected, bringing both relief and hope to communities in crisis, and calls upon body of Christ in Africa to pray for Burkina Faso.