The rise of extremism and political instability makes Christians vulnerable.
bottom“The fear is increasing every day… There are abductions, all kinds of attacks and banditry... Please pray for us that God will keep His children safe.”
– Adama, Pastor in Mali
Christians still endure huge repercussions from the Islamic extremist insurgency that devastated the north of Mali in 2012.
Churches were burned down, and many Christians lost their homes and had to flee the region. Although some Christians and congregations have returned under police protection, they still live with the threat of attack.
Those in areas controlled by extremist groups have been denied access to water and land to grow crops. Christian churches, schools, and other services operated by Christians remain closed in many parts of the country.
Believers who engage in evangelical activities in the north are especially vulnerable to violence, while Christian missionaries live under the constant threat of abduction by jihadists.
Jihadist violence is spreading south as Mali’s institutions rapidly fracture, making it even easier for radical groups to gain power. National elections have been postponed indefinitely. Fear and uncertainty continue to rise. The authorities’ inability to stem the insurgency has led to public protest and contributed to two military takeovers (in 2020 and 2021). The country has also become a battleground between the West and East, making Christians vulnerable to government-related persecution.
Christians in the north of the country, where jihadists and Fulani militants are active, face the greatest opposition. There are pockets of intense persecution in the southern part of Mali as well, where believers face marginalisation.
Women converts from Islam are most vulnerable to pressure and violence for their faith. They face harassment and threats, sexual assault, and physical violence. Some may even be killed. Christian men and boys are particularly subject to death threats, forced recruitment into armed groups, and violent attacks.
– That God will protect believers targeted for violence by Islamic extremists.
– For Open Doors’ partners in Mali as they seek to strengthen traumatised believers.
– That God will provide political stability and religious freedom for all Malians.
Open Doors works through local church partners in Mali to provide persecution survival training, discipleship programmes, and economic empowerment projects.
