How are Christians persecuted in Mali?
- The Islamic extremist insurgency that devastated the north of Mali in 2012 continues to have huge repercussions for the country’s small number of Christians.
- 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 under the threat of attack. Those living in areas controlled by militants have been denied access to water and land to grow crops.
- Christian men and boys are particularly subject to death threats, forced recruitment into armed groups and violent attacks because of their faith. Many have been forced to flee as a result.
- Believers who share the gospel in the north are especially vulnerable to violence, while Christian missionaries live under the constant threat of abduction by jihadists. Those who convert to Islam risk violence and pressure from their relatives and communities if their new faith is discovered.
- Militant groups kidnap girls and sometimes even married women, in order to forcibly ‘marry’ or ‘remarry’ them. Women and girls (particularly widows and single Christian women) are also vulnerable to trafficking.
“My family asked me to deny Jesus Christ. My parents abandoned me, leaving me alone.”
Hawa*, a Malian believer.
Why are Christians persecuted in Mali?
- The jihadist violence is spreading southward, and the country’s institutions are rapidly breaking apart, further playing into the hands of jihadist groups. The authorities’ inability to stem the insurgency has led to public protest and contributed to two military takeovers (in 2020 and 2021).
- Mali has also become a geopolitical battleground between the West and East, making Christians vulnerable to government-related persecution.
- Despite national laws protecting women and girls, traditional and cultural practices mean Christian women are especially vulnerable within the Islamic culture. They experience social rejection and, when facing persecution, the children suffer whatever befalls their parents.
“The jihadists gave us all the new rules everyone in the area must follow… they wanted to inform us of their intention so that there would be no surprises when they come to attack.”
Local pastor, Mali
Who is particularly vulnerable in Mali?
- Converts from Islam suffer the most persecution for their faith, as well as Christians in the north of the country, where jihadists and Fulani militants are active.
- There are pockets of intense persecution in the southern part of Mali as well, where Christians face marginalisation.
What has changed in Mali in the past year?
- Mali remains at 14 on the World Watch List. The slight increase in persecution score means the country now falls under ‘extreme persecution’, rather than ‘very high persecution’, under the World Watch List methodology.
- The situation in terms of conflict remains very volatile, and this is exacerbated by the spread of extremist violence in neighbouring countries. The presence of jihadist groups and their violent activities continue to create an environment of fear and uncertainty.
- Christian churches, schools and other services operated by Christians remain closed in many parts of the country. There were elections planned for February 2024, but these have been postponed indefinitely, officially for ‘technical reasons’.
“I know that I have true brothers and sisters, who are standing with me in the time of persecution. Thank you for the support and prayers.”
Hawa*
How can I help Christians in Mali?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Mali. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors works through local church partners in Mali to provide persecution survival training, discipleship programmes and economic empowerment projects.
*Name changed for security reasons
Heavenly Father, we pray that You will bring an end to the extremist violence in Mali. Draw near to Christians who have been displaced or attacked, and heal them; give them new strength to keep following Jesus. Grant church leaders courage and wisdom to know how to guide and encourage their congregations, so the church in Mali may continue to proclaim the hope of Your gospel. We pray for the restoration of wise and compassionate government, and an end to militant groups and human trafficking, Amen.