Burkina Faso (HCJB/MNN) — Burkina Faso has a new 29-member
Cabinet, a week after President Blaise Compaore turned Defense Minister and dissolved
the government in a bid to quell an army mutiny.
He also appointed a new Prime Minister and dismissed the
chiefs of staff of the army, air force and police.
The country has been in turmoil since February, and it came
to a head April 14 with a military mutiny that was joined by students and the
police. However, it seems things may be
returning to calm as authorities eased the dusk-to-dawn curfew over Easter
weekend to allow the faithful to celebrate.
A Christian radio network partnered with HCJB Global has
been countering the chaos with information and spiritual counsel.
"I believe that God is using Radio
Evangile Développement (RED) to heal our nation," said Étienne
Kiemdé who directs the network. "We cover many topics, and we are heard well.
Pray that God would continue to use us as a tool to bless and free our nation."
The eight-station ministry covers nearly two-thirds of Burkina Faso.
Kiemdé asked for people to pray for wisdom and God's protection. "We're
thankful to God because RED is safe; none of the staff has been hurt," he said.
"We are broadcasting special music of reconciliation, and we broadcast programs
talking about human rights and behavior. And of course the different messages
that churches are providing contribute to the encouragement of our listeners
these days."
Kiemdé added that the network is "seeking more equipment to upgrade three of our
radio stations and to establish a new one. And we're seeking a power generator
for the main station in Ouagadougou to take over in case of periodical power
outages."
Begun with a single station in the capital in 1993, RED
later added stations in Bobo-Dioulasso, Ouahigouya, Léo, Yako, Koudougou,
Houndé and Fada N'gourma. Broadcasts emanate in French, English and 13
indigenous languages spoken in the country of 16.3 million where 8.9 percent of
the residents are evangelical.
