Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have been particularly affected. Meeting in Koupéla in the Kourittenga region to the east of of Burkina Faso from Jan. 13-17, the Episcopal Conference of Burkina Faso and Niger (CEBN) warned that if there is not change, the region could be taken over by terrorists. Burkina Faso is 60 percent Muslim, with Christians making up about a quarter of the population. The Bishop of Fada N’Gourma in Burkina Faso has condemned the surge in jihadist attacks in the country, noting the systematic plan to Islamize the Sahel region. On Wednesday, France announced it would reinforce its 4,500-member military contingent in the Sahel region.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 23, 2020 06:33 UTC