The military coup in Burkina Faso has been described as "worrying” for Christians as the humanitarian crisis threatens to escalate. 

The country was already “unstable” due to a string of attacks from terrorist groups, Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Soldiers have been repeatedly sent out with minimal protection, ammunition and food, in order to protect the country from the attacks.

Military takeovers are starting to become commonplace in West Africa, as many feel those in charge are failing to deal with insurgents. 

Illia Djadi, who works with Christian persecution charity Open Doors UK, has been keeping a close eye on the situation.

He said: “This is indeed a worrying development from a country already hit by Islamist insurgency, and one that will eventually turn into a humanitarian disaster. 

“Our fear is to see a country already made fragile by Islamist insurgency become more fragile and that this crisis will only deepen within the country. 

“Religious minority Christians have become a target – religious minorities are being attacked, church leaders killed, churches destroyed…”

He described the situation in Burkina Faso on Wednesday morning as “calm”, despite the events of the night before. 

Although the coup is shocking, it’s not entirely surprising. An undercurrent of Government distrust and insecurity has been prevalent for many years.

Many blame President Kaboré for a huge drop in the quality of living in Burkina Faso. 

Mr Djadi continued, saying: “More than one million and a half people have already been displaced. Half a million children are out of school because Burkina Faso has seen education affected. More than 3,000 schools have closed down. 

“It’s a very worrying situation now.”