Mali

How are Christians persecuted in Mali?

• Some parts of Mali are unliveable for Christians because of rampant extremist activity. Christians endure violence, kidnappings and churches burnt to the ground. The violence ‘score’ from the World Watch List research is among the highest in the world.

• Rural areas are especially dangerous for Christians as Islamist extremist groups operate predominantly in these regions. This leaves communities defenceless against attack. Many are displaced, like Pastor Enock* who longs to continue his work. He says, “I want to return to the mission field because the harvest is great and the workers are few.”
• Women are targeted by Islamist extremists and forced into marriage or abducted – especially those who have converted from Islam. They can be harassed or face physical and sexual violence.
• Some women are expelled from their home if their faith is revealed, leaving them even more vulnerable because of a lack of support.
• Christian men face death threats and violent attack from militants, and some are forcibly recruited into their ranks. Married converts can be pressured to divorce their wives, and others can face discrimination in employment.
• Converts from Islam experience rejection from their families and communities, as well as pressure to renounce their faith.

Why are Christians persecuted in Mali?

• A military government currently controls Mali which has compounded the pressures on Christians and monitoring of church leaders and activities.
• Believers face state repression for speaking against the government in the forms of surveillance and arrest.
• Organised crime and systemic corruption make believers highly vulnerable to all kinds of exploitation and violence.

Who is particularly vulnerable in Mali?

• Converts from Islam face the greatest challenges for their faith, coming from extremist groups, family and community.
• Increasingly, Christians in urban areas as well as rural areas find themselves vulnerable to persecution.

What has changed in Mali in the past year?

• Mali has gone down one place in the World Watch List, but this is because of worsening situations in other countries. Persecution has actually increased in Mali, with the level of persecution is now ‘extreme’, rather than ‘very high’.
• This year, many believers have been killed for their faith and tens of churches destroyed.
• The military government suspended political parties in 2025 which has increased fears of greater authoritarianism and instability.

How can I help Christians in Mali?

• Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Mali. Your prayers make a huge difference in the lives of those living for Jesus no matter the cost.

• Emmanuel, a Christian in Mali, asks, “Pray for the stability of the country because you know that we are going through difficult times.”

Through local church partners, Open Doors supports Malian believers through persecution survival training and economic empowerment initiatives.

*Name changed for security reasons