Publication

This report explores the relationships in Burkina Faso between the state and religion, between the country’s different religious communities, and within individual religions. The report’s authors conclude that Burkina Faso’s model of religious peaceful coexistence remains strong and that other more divided countries can learn from its example. However, the model, which is the product of a specific history and culture, can’t be exported as it is, especially to countries such as Niger and Mali where the overwhelming majority of the population is Muslim. The authors further admit that state-religion relations aren’t totally free of “frustrations” in Burkina Faso, which means that local stakeholders must work hard to preserve the modes of tolerance that currently exist.