A call for “fervent prayer” for Mali

As conflict continues to intensify in Mali and Christians face the encroachment of their persecutors on their homes, your prayers are urgently needed.

Mali continues to suffer escalating violence between governmental forces and extremists affecting every part of society and daily life. A spate of attacks coordinated by jihadist groups at the end of April has seen multiple violent repeats as extremists continue to move in on the capital city, Bamako.

For months, citizens of the capital have suffered fuel blockades. Now, militants have been setting trucks carrying food supplies on fire and storming prisons near to the city containing fighters from armed groups.

Since the end of April, there have reportedly been multiple arrests of not only extremists, but also civil servants who have been accused of colluding with Al-Qaeda, with which extremists carrying out the attacks have affiliated themselves. In a report published on 6 May, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated that there have been ‘gravely concerning reports of extrajudicial killings and abductions, allegedly carried out by members of the security forces’ following the attacks.

Despite the military’s attempts and claims to have the situation under control, Bamako remains on a knife edge. In April schools were under attack from jihadist groups who allegedly seek to turn them into madrasas, or Islamic schools. At least three have suffered attacks and teachers have been abducted, leading many to close. With them, several banks and offices temporarily closed down after fighting broke out on 25 April 2026.

Acute vulnerability

At this time of heightening violence, Christians are extremely vulnerable – churches have been burnt down, pastors kidnapped and communities profoundly traumatised by violence. Militants continue to expand their territory, and fear is spreading like wildfire throughout Bamako and other regions.

“The prevailing atmosphere is affecting the church greatly. It has a negative impact on the entire ministry,” says Christian Kallil*, a Malian believer. “It is jeopardising the wellbeing of believers. For some time now all our activities have slowed down. Travel has become difficult, expensive and dangerous. Since the end of April, there has been a curfew from 9pm to 6am in place. People are sometimes scared to go to church.”

Christians fear the implementation of Sharia law if jihadist groups were to succeed in capturing Bamako. Their existence, already plagued by attack and abuse, would become even more threatened.

“Ordinary Christians in cities and in rural areas are not at ease because they feel threatened to express their faith freely, to live that Christian life, to witness,” Kallil explains.

Amidst the deep suffering believers are experiencing, Kallil testifies to the conviction and almost-impossible perseverance he sees in himself and others. “I know it’s very hard, but we must not give in to fear and desperation. We do what we do, and we survive because of God’s people praying for us. I think that is why we can stay strong and resilient.”

Open Doors statement

“Open Doors is following these developments closely with grave and growing concern for the situation generally, but also for the wellbeing of Christians, a small and vulnerable community in the country,” says Jo Newhouse*, spokesperson for the work of Open Doors in sub-Saharan Africa. “The church is an important faith-based actor that has worked hard to retain a clear prophetic voice in their society and to be a blessing to their nation through prayer, development and social care. But it is becoming very dangerous and nearly impossible for them to retain their active role in society, and in some cases even to survive in the current atmosphere. Fervent prayer is needed for our brothers and sisters.

“We urge the international community and the government of Mali to take all possible measures to guarantee the safety of civilians across the country. Particular attention must be given to the protection of religious minorities, mainly Christians, who have been deliberately targeted by militant groups.

“We call on the international community to not allow this brave but vulnerable community of Christians to face unbearable additional risk because of their faith, but to ensure their protection from harm and inclusion in support and thus ensure that pluralism can survive and even thrive in Mali.”

Please continue to intercede for Christians and vulnerable communities in Mali. Thank you for your prayers and support – they are so appreciated.

*Names changed for security reasons