In Burkina Faso, Africa, there is a growing concern over illegal gold trade controlled by Jihadists groups who are in close ties with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
The Islamic militants have gained access to approximately 2 billion dollars worth gold trade that they use to fund their illegal and violent activities.
According to reports from Reuters, the gold mines are a safe hiding place for the militants.
According to government survey, of the 2,200 illegal gold mines identified, over half of them were close to the places that the militants have attacked.
In early November, at least 39 miners in Burkina Faso were killed in an attack by the Islamic group. Among those killed, 15 were Christians.
The growing influence of the Jihadists group is increasing concern over the safety and security to Christians in the region.
In 2019, at least 166 Christians in the region have been killed in mine, village and church attacks.
According to reports from Barnabas Fund, thousands of Christians have already left Burkina Faso fearing the Islamic extremists.
