Mali
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Mali Facts
Score: 59 / 100
Region: Africa
Persecution Type: Islamic Oppression
Persecution Level: High
Population: 18,690,000
Christians: 413,000
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Semi-presidential Republic
Leader: President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita
Profile of Persecution Methodology
Violence 58%
Church Life 55%
National Life 48%
Community Life 67%
Family Life 57%
Private Life 68%
Where Persecution Comes From
While Malians have traditionally practiced a relatively tolerant version of Islam, over the past few years the West African country has become increasingly militant and intolerant. In the northern part of the country especially, this intolerance has resulted in intense persecution of Christians. In 2012 militant Islamic groups, aided by foreign fighters linked to al-Qaeda, took over a significant portion of the northern region, and their influence is still felt though most have been expelled. In addition to these groups’ radicalization of the Muslim population, ongoing insurgency still poses a threat to Christian believers.
How Christians are Suffering
When radical Islamic militant groups took control of the northern part of the country in 2012, churches were burned down and Christians had to flee. After losing their homes and having their churches destroyed, these displaced believers are still affected. Although some Christians and congregations have returned to the north under police protection, they still live under the threat of attack by Islamist militants. Evangelistic activities are especially risky, often leading to attacks. Christian missionaries operating in the country live under the constant threat of abduction, while Christians from Muslim backgrounds face violence and pressure from relatives and family members if their conversion to Christianity is discovered.
Examples
In 2016 and 2017, three foreign Christian missionaries were kidnapped in separate incidents by different Islamic groups.
In November 2016, suspected Islamic militants shot and killed Moussa Issah Bary, the Christian deputy mayor of Kerana (city near the Burkina Faso border). Bary was a rare example of a Christian member of the predominantly Muslim Fulani ethnic group.
Pray for Mali
Mali Photo Gallery
Stories from Mali
August 25, 2017
Christians Living amid Jihadist Activity in Mali
August 14, eight people were killed in Mali during two separate attacks, seven at the UN mission in the ancient…
+ READ MORE
February 27, 2017
Colombian Nurse Kidnapped in Mali
Gloria Argoti Cecilia Narvaez Argoti, 56, a nurse and Franciscan nun, was kidnapped by self-proclaimed jihadists in southern Mali.
+ READ MORE
November 11, 2016
Kidnapped Missionary Returns to Mali
Beatrice Stockly was taken from her residence before dawn on January 8, 2015 by armed men who arrived in four…
+ READ MORE
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DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT
Mali Facts
Score: 59 / 100
Region: Africa
Persecution Type: Islamic Oppression
Persecution Level: High
Population: 18,690,000
Christians: 413,000
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Semi-presidential Republic
Leader: President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita
Profile of Persecution Methodology
Violence 58%
Church Life 55%
National Life 48%
Community Life 67%
Family Life 57%
Private Life 68%
Where Persecution Comes From
While Malians have traditionally practiced a relatively tolerant version of Islam, over the past few years the West African country has become increasingly militant and intolerant. In the northern part of the country especially, this intolerance has resulted in intense persecution of Christians. In 2012 militant Islamic groups, aided by foreign fighters linked to al-Qaeda, took over a significant portion of the northern region, and their influence is still felt though most have been expelled. In addition to these groups’ radicalization of the Muslim population, ongoing insurgency still poses a threat to Christian believers.
How Christians are Suffering
When radical Islamic militant groups took control of the northern part of the country in 2012, churches were burned down and Christians had to flee. After losing their homes and having their churches destroyed, these displaced believers are still affected. Although some Christians and congregations have returned to the north under police protection, they still live under the threat of attack by Islamist militants. Evangelistic activities are especially risky, often leading to attacks. Christian missionaries operating in the country live under the constant threat of abduction, while Christians from Muslim backgrounds face violence and pressure from relatives and family members if their conversion to Christianity is discovered.
Examples
In 2016 and 2017, three foreign Christian missionaries were kidnapped in separate incidents by different Islamic groups.
In November 2016, suspected Islamic militants shot and killed Moussa Issah Bary, the Christian deputy mayor of Kerana (city near the Burkina Faso border). Bary was a rare example of a Christian member of the predominantly Muslim Fulani ethnic group.
Pray for Mali
- Driven by terrorist attacks, violence in Mali has increased substantially. Pray for peace over this country.
- Pray for Christians who have been displaced from their homes in Northern Mali by Islamic militants. Pray this hardship will not deter them from loving their neighbors.
- Pray for Muslim background believers who find it difficult to live out their faith due to hostile family and community environments.
Mali Photo Gallery
Stories from Mali
August 25, 2017
Christians Living amid Jihadist Activity in Mali
August 14, eight people were killed in Mali during two separate attacks, seven at the UN mission in the ancient…
+ READ MORE
February 27, 2017
Colombian Nurse Kidnapped in Mali
Gloria Argoti Cecilia Narvaez Argoti, 56, a nurse and Franciscan nun, was kidnapped by self-proclaimed jihadists in southern Mali.
+ READ MORE
November 11, 2016
Kidnapped Missionary Returns to Mali
Beatrice Stockly was taken from her residence before dawn on January 8, 2015 by armed men who arrived in four…
+ READ MORE
LOAD
