Suspected Fulani militants killed twenty-seven people in three predominantly Christian villages of Central Mali. The village of Tillé was raided on May 26th, resulting in the deaths of seven, some of them burned alive. Over the next 24 hours, the attackers moved on to the villages of Bankass and Koro, killing another twenty villagers.
In 2012, al-Qaeda affiliates seized control of the northern two-thirds of Mali. They were driven back by French forces but have since regrouped, expanding into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. The stated aim is to establish an Islamic state which clearly involves the attacks of any groups or individuals not compliant with their agenda, causing valid concerns for Christians.
Remember the survivors remaining in these villages, including the families and friends of those who have been tragically slain. As they now contend with the resulting trauma -- along with the fear and uncertainty of potential further risk -- pray that God's peace, comfort, healing and protection will be tangible realities in their lives. May steps be taken by governing officials to ensure their safety and bring those responsible to justice in hopes that the perpetrators will experience genuine heartfelt repentance and transformation.
Country Information
Population 20,137,527(July 2021 est.)
Ethnicity (%) Bambara (33.3), Fulani (Peul) (13.3), Sarakole/Soninke/Marka (9.8), Senufo/Manianka (9.6), Malinke (8.8), Dogon (8.7), Sonrai (5.9), Bobo (2.1), Tuareg/Bella (1.7), other Malian (6), from member of Economic Community of West African States (0.4%), other (0.3) (2018)
Religion (%) Muslim (93.9), Christian (2.8), Animist (0.7), none (2.5) (2018)
Leader Transittional President Assimi Goita (2021)
Government type Semi-presidential republic
Legal system Civil law system based on the French civil law model and influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Mali
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send people to boldly share the gospel with the largely Muslim population. Pray the existing churches will remain faithful, never giving in to the pressure of those who oppose them. Pray that the church will display the light of Christ amid jihadist activity.
In January 2016, Beatrice Stockli was kidnapped in Timbuktu. The militant group, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), has claimed responsibility, stating that Beatrice had "declared war against Islam in her attempt to Christianize Muslims" (read more
Suspected Fulani militants killed twenty-seven people in three predominantly Christian villages of Central Mali. The village of Tillé was raided on May 26th, resulting in the deaths of seven, some of them burned alive. Over the next 24 hours, the attackers moved on to the village
In late September and early October, at least three churches in the Mopti region have received "visits" from jihadists. In Dobara, the militants smashed their way into a church from which they removed crosses and furnishings that were later piled up outside and burned. In Bodwal, members of the same
On July 1st, a coalition of jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda released a video showing six foreign hostages, including three missionaries, just hours before France president Emmanuel Macron made his most recent visit to Mali, offering help in support of the African nation's anti-terrorist eff