At least six churches attacked in Senegal

Violence against churches increases in
Muslim-dominated Senegal, West Africa.

The World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (WEA-RLC) is calling on the government of Senegal, West Africa to investigate attacks on churches that occurred during recent protests over constitutional amendments.

Protests erupted on June 23 after President Abdoulaye Wade’s government proposed a bill which would change the current requirement of a 50 per cent vote to become president to 25 per cent so Wade could remain in power.

The same day, at least six churches were attacked by mobs. WEA Executive Director, Godfrey Yogarajah, said it is clear the attacks had nothing to do with the protests and were clearly planned and organized to take advantage of the situation.

Some Protestant congregations are accused of having links with foreign groups and are therefore viewed with suspicion. However, in these particular instances, there seems to be no sign of immediate provocation.

Violence of this magnitude is a new development for the Muslim-dominated region. The WEA-RLC urges the government investigate the attacks and nip such violence against Christians in the bud.

You can read WEA-RLC’s entire article here.