In Burkina Faso, the security situation continues to deteriorate and the number of people killed and displaced is increasing. In this context, the government is asking the entire nation to contribute to the war effort through individual, collective, civil and religious mobilization. The Federation of Evangelical Churches and Missions (FEME) has asked its members (including the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso, EEMBF) to contribute to the war effort by setting an amount for each church. 

EEMBF president Calixte Bananzaro and Pastor Siaka Traoré (also of the EEMBF, and at the same time MWC's representative for Central/West Africa) are planning a meeting with the president of the FEME to explain the non-violent position of Mennonites which conflicts with this request. They ask for the prayerful support of the global church in these steps. May God prepare this meeting, and give wisdom and discernment to all in the discussion. 
— submitted by Anicka Fast, Secretary of MWC Faith and Life Commission, in consultation with Calixte Bananzaro and Siaka Traoré
Photo: Siaka Traoré and Calixte Bananzaro will represent the peace stance of Burkina Faso’s Mennonites in response to new military taxation. Photos provided.