Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Tuesday, 18 February 2020
WCC general secretary condemns violence in Burkina Faso, Cameroon

oikoumene.org :

World Council of Churches (WCC) General secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit condemned attacks across the world that have occurred during a violent week during which many have lost their lives or lost their loved ones.

In the wake of violent attacks in both Burkina Faso and Cameroon, Tveit condemned the violence and called for a stop on attacks that target innocent people.

In Burkina Faso, an attack on a Protestant church on 16 February in Yagha province left 24 dead in the north part of the country. Another 18 people were wounded.

Since 2015, about 750 people have been killed in Burkina Faso, and about 600,000 people have been forced from their homes. Christians have become frequent targets in the north of the country.

“I am profoundly sad that people who are gathered to worship suffer from such a senseless act of hate,” said Tveit.

“These acts of violence are attacks on our one human family and we must continue to work together for justice and peace,” he said.

In Cameroon, according to the UN, 14 children were among 22 people killed by armed men on 14 February in Ntumbo, a village in northwestern Cameroon. At least 600 villagers have since fled the area. In the past several months, some 60,000 Cameroonians have fled to Nigeria amid escalating violence.

“We condemn these senseless acts of violence. Let us strengthen our resolution to pursue peace and justice for all, dignity for all, the freedom to lead full lives for all,” said Tveit.

Tveit encourage the WCC member churches to hold those affected and killed in prayers, and called for ecumenical solidarity in the face of such attacks of terror and violence.

Member churches in Burkina Faso

Member churches in Cameroon