WCC condemns violence in Burkina Faso and Cameroon

By Benedict Mayaki

In the wake of the violent attacks in Cameroon and Burkina Faso on February 14 and 16 respectively, the Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, on Monday spoke against the attacks and called for an end to violence against the innocent.

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

According to the UN, on 14 February in Ntumbo, a village in northwest Cameroon, 22 people, including 14 children were killed by armed men. Since then, at least 600 villagers have fled the area.

In recent months, an estimated 60,000 Cameroonians have fled to Nigeria due to the escalation of violence.

Churches attacked

On February 16, jihadist terrorists attacked a protestant Church in the Yahgha province of Burkina Faso, killing 24 people and wounding 18 others.

This recent attack comes just six days after another in the city of Sebba where seven people were kidnapped during a Christian service. Three days later, five of them including the Pastor were found murdered. The other two survived unscathed.

In his message, Rev. Tveit expresses solidarity and closeness to the communities in Cameroon and Burkina Faso and encourages the WCC member churches to hold those affected in prayers.

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