Pray for Burkina Faso

About Burkina Faso

The capital is Ouagadougou. People speak Mooré, Dioula, Fulfulde, French and many other languages. The largest faith is Islam.

Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.

Prayer briefing for Burkina Faso

Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.

Current events

On 20 October the transitional parliament voted unanimously for a new penal code that restores the death penalty, abolished in 2018, for crimes including terrorism, espionage and treason. The government says the change will strengthen public order and security, while rights groups such as Amnesty International have voiced concern. Attacks by armed groups continue to cost lives: in April, reports say, JNIM fighters killed 28 soldiers and militiamen at a base in Bagmoussa, in Koulpelogo.

We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.

Leadership and politics

Burkina Faso is led by a military-led transitional government. Captain Ibrahim Traoré has led the country since September 2022, and the Prime Minister is Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo. Elections have been postponed until at least 2029, and in January 2026 the government dissolved all political parties. In January it also said it had foiled a coup plot.

We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.

Economic health

The IMF projects growth of about 4% in 2026, and gold made up about four fifths of exports in 2024. Prices fell in 2025 as food became cheaper. About 44% of people lived below the poverty line in 2022, about 80% of people rely on subsistence farming for their food, and about 2.7 million people face food insecurity.

We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.

Social and cultural issues

Burkina Faso is home to many peoples, among them the Gurunsi, Bobo and Fulani. About 2.1 million people are displaced inside the country. Reports say many Fulani have faced discrimination and violence after some were recruited by armed groups, and older women accused of witchcraft have at times been forced from their villages. In April 2026 the government dissolved 118 associations and civil society groups.

We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.

Spiritual landscape

In the 2019 census about 64% of people were Muslim, about 26% Christian (about 20% Catholic and 6% Protestant) and about 9% followed traditional beliefs. Christians live mainly in the centre of the country, Ouagadougou is mixed, and Christian Gurunsi and Bobo communities live near the border with Ghana. Both Islamic and Christian festivals are public holidays.

We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.

Religious freedom

The constitution makes Burkina Faso a secular state that guarantees religious freedom. In June 2026 the assembly adopted a law that regulates places of worship and religious practice, and a Muslim preacher was arrested in May after criticising it. Violence by armed groups has closed hundreds of churches in recent years, and mosques have also been attacked. Open Doors ranks Burkina Faso 16th on its 2026 World Watch List.

We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.

Historical wounds

Since 2015 Burkina Faso has lived with violence by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Two coups took place in 2022. One of the worst attacks came in August 2024 at Barsalogho, where reports say up to about 200 people were killed, including young people who had been digging trenches to protect the town. Many families still mourn and many have lost their homes.

We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.

Let us pray together

Our Father, we come to You together for Burkina Faso. Protect villages, soldiers and families from violence, and comfort all who grieve. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to those in authority. Provide food and work for every family, and good harvests for those who farm. Bring reconciliation between peoples, protect the displaced, and guard every community from suspicion and revenge. Let Your hope and truth be known across the land. Keep believers of every background safe and give them courage and freedom to worship. Heal the deep wounds of these years, and lead the nation in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sources

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