From time to time we make emergency appeals.

For example, in 2012 we made an appeal due to there being a famine in Burkina Faso, an appeal which resulted in our being able to feed the inhabitants of many villages for months.

In June 2019 it was time to make another appeal due to the problems being experienced because of Jihadist terrorists operating out of Mali attacking communities in Burkina Faso. Very sadly, those attacks have not only carried on, but are getting worse.

For example, in October (2024) terrorists went to the town of Manni, a town well known to Gillie, because we support the local Catholic school. That day hundreds were killed. The following day the terrorists returned to Manni with the intention of killing all those who were lying wounded in the hospital. As it happened, that very day the headmaster of the school was on his way to the hospital to visit his wife who had just given birth to their sixth child. He was gunned down and killed.

Because of terrorist activity, millions of people have been displaced, including farming communities. This has resulted in the land no longer being used to produce food; this in turn will bring about hunger.

These naturally peaceful people are going through a terrible time and need help, the Christian community particularly. 

Fr Lambert has set out the ways in which we can help the refugees in his town of Kaya:

·      the provision of food

·      providing survival kits (includes mats, clothing and cooking facilities)

·      cash for basic needs

·      ensuring the education of the children

Click here to hear Fr Lambert talking about the food he has had to organise for the increasing number of refugees.

Below is a chart which shows the countries with the highest share of deaths by terrorism. As you can see, Burkina Faso ranks highest.