Many Catholics are unable to receive the sacraments, and humanitarian services are unavailable, because of terrorist activities in Burkina Faso, a missionary reports.

“No place is accessible,” Father Pierre Balima told the Fides news service. Churches and schools are closed, priests are unable to travel to villages to celebrate Mass, and the fear of murder and kidnapping by terrorists confines people to their homes.

European missionaries were advised to leave the region, and to close down parishes. But Father Balima says: “The proposal was rejected by the bishop and all the priests. We continue our mission, even if with many limitations.”