AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - Bishops on upcoming elections: "Differences of opinion must be understood as enrichment"

Monday, 9 November 2020 elections violence coronavirus bishops

BURKINA FASO

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Ouagadougou (Agenzia Fides) - "We are working to truly make Burkina Faso a land of upright citizens and a united nation: the history of our country shows that our people have always succeeded in creating cultural, ethnic or religious differences that are characteristic of our citizens to make it a source of wealth and an example of cohesion in the eyes of the world", said the Bishops of Burkina Faso in their message in view of the presidential and legislative elections on 22 November.
"Disagreements in politics must also be enriching and must not be a source of division or a means of manipulating opinion or an incentive to riot. Instead of seeing in the difficult times we find ourselves in as opportunities to achieve the greatest possible benefit for themselves or their own party, every citizen must invest in the common good and be proud of it, in working for the good of all, for honor of the fatherland".
On the other hand, Burkina Faso is faced with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and at the same time suffers from the instability caused by armed jihadist groups in various areas. "Surrounded on all sides by the hydra of terrorism, we continue to count our dead and see hundreds and thousands of our compatriots being displaced, persecuted, dispossessed and forced to leave their homes.
"In this context of uncertainty exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic" the Bishops thank the health care workers and see themselves as "the voice of trust and hope on the eve of the elections".
The Bishops conclude with the request for the prayer "that God may accompany these elections".
A total of 13 candidates are running for president, while 10,652 candidates run for a seat in parliament. Outgoing President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, in power since 2015, is vying for a second term. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 9/11/2020)