Burkina Faso

Since Burkina Faso’s independence from France in 1960, unrest and instability have been common. As per the constitution, which was last amended in 2012, Burkina Faso is a secular state and guarantees freedom of religion for all individuals. The country has made significant progress towards democracy after a general election in 2015. However, much of the nation remains contested between jihadist groups, ethnic militias and security forces.

Burkina Faso’s human rights situation has deteriorated since 2022 and worsened in 2023. Armed groups reportedly control about 40 percent of the country and have intensified their attacks on civilians and military targets.

As a Muslim-majority country, Muslims are dominant in the northern, eastern and western border regions, while Christians are concentrated in the centre of the country. Militants linked to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaida have crossed borders in the north to broaden their influence in the Sahel region.

Those who convert from Islam to Christianity often face threats from their families and communities. Christian women and girls risk being abducted, sexually assaulted and/or forcibly married. In light of such pressures, many believers are forced to flee their homes and communities.