I received an email this morning, the same one many of you connected to Sheltering Wings might have found in your inbox. The call was for urgent prayer.
It seems like the word I use most often when describing the current events in Burkina Faso is this: conflicting reports. That's just it though, all the way across the ocean I'm convinced I'm never quite getting all the information. For the most part it appears to be this:
THE WHY Yesterday five military persons were handed lengthy jail sentences (12-18months) for an attack related to a "sex scandal". Some reports are that the military men attacked a non-military that was having illicit affairs with one of their wives. Their jail sentences mean they will be removed from the military.
THE WHAT Yesterday evening military men from the same base at the convicted, upset over the ruling, took to the streets. Shooting and looting they raided shops, shot rounds into the air, and joined with military groups from all over Ouagadougou. Most reports say this act of solidarity to their peers lasted 3 or so hours. Early reports suggest 10 civilians were injured in the demonstration.
AND NOW? Here's where the reports differ. Some reports suggest most people are staying at home today and not venturing out and some suggest the government has told citizens to stay out of the streets. Most reports agree that government offices, and the majority of businesses are closed today.
I think we can all agree; this doesn't appear to be a positive development for a country that has already been facing civil unrest. The government recently closed all schools for a 2 week break, following the demonstrations in the Justin Zongo case.
It seems like the word I use most often when describing the current events in Burkina Faso is this: conflicting reports. That's just it though, all the way across the ocean I'm convinced I'm never quite getting all the information. For the most part it appears to be this:
THE WHY Yesterday five military persons were handed lengthy jail sentences (12-18months) for an attack related to a "sex scandal". Some reports are that the military men attacked a non-military that was having illicit affairs with one of their wives. Their jail sentences mean they will be removed from the military.
THE WHAT Yesterday evening military men from the same base at the convicted, upset over the ruling, took to the streets. Shooting and looting they raided shops, shot rounds into the air, and joined with military groups from all over Ouagadougou. Most reports say this act of solidarity to their peers lasted 3 or so hours. Early reports suggest 10 civilians were injured in the demonstration.
AND NOW? Here's where the reports differ. Some reports suggest most people are staying at home today and not venturing out and some suggest the government has told citizens to stay out of the streets. Most reports agree that government offices, and the majority of businesses are closed today.
One report suggested that Burkina Faso's situation right now is precarious.
I think we can all agree; this doesn't appear to be a positive development for a country that has already been facing civil unrest. The government recently closed all schools for a 2 week break, following the demonstrations in the Justin Zongo case.
We wait. We pray.
Ruth's email:
"Would you please pass this note along for information/prayer?
Just when we were hoping that things were calming down here, we get the news that the military and the police are fighting in the streets of Ouagadougou, with guns and live ammunition. Don't really have a clear idea of the cause of the disagreement but some are saying it is in response to a military person hitting and injuring a nurse who was entering the hospital in Ouayaghuia to go to work last week. The military did storm at least 2 police stations in Ouaga around 11:30 last night.
All government offices and most businesses are closed and people have been warned by the govt to stay off of the streets. A couple of people have already been injured and maybe killed. Mobs have started looting in a couple of areas of town.
Please pray that the government will make good decisions in their response to this rioting, that the people will calm down, and that innocent people will not be injured."
All government offices and most businesses are closed and people have been warned by the govt to stay off of the streets. A couple of people have already been injured and maybe killed. Mobs have started looting in a couple of areas of town.
Please pray that the government will make good decisions in their response to this rioting, that the people will calm down, and that innocent people will not be injured."
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