Photo: Flickr / jbdodane (cc)
On April 7th, Muslim imams organized a demonstration in the southern city of Sélibaby, Mauritania, to protest against Christians within their community. The protest, which had been approved by the authorities, was instigated after a Christian convert died in a motorcycle accident a few days earlier. Some Muslim leaders were angered over the burial of the Christian's body within their community, since they regarded him as an "apostate."
During the protest, threats were made against followers of Jesus both in person and on social media. Demonstrators demanded that action be taken against the community's "infidels," including calls to burn the homes of Christian residents. At one point, the body of the buried Christian was dug up and dragged through the streets before being reburied in a village 20 kilometres away.
Although tensions had eased by that evening, hate speech and threats persisted on social media, where militant Muslim community members continued to call for the complete social ostracism of Christians. Due to the volatility of the situation, some Christian leaders have been warned by relatives to refrain from contacting them.
Unfortunately, this recent incident is not an isolated occurrence. According to the country's penal code, leaving Islam is a crime punishable by death. Although this penalty is seldom enforced, the law emboldens Muslim militants and creates an atmosphere of fear for those who are at risk of potential harm. Additional details about Christian persecution in this extremely restrictive nation, including previously published reports, are available at our country profile.
- May the peace of God guard the hearts of believers in Mauritania, empowering them with the strength, courage and wisdom to continue ministering within a society that is strongly opposed to their existence.
- Pray that God would radically intervene in the lives of community members who have demonstrated hostility towards His Gospel message, stirring the hearts of each one so that they may be transformed by His love.
- Ask the Lord to protect our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ as they seek to practise their faith, enabling them to spread His goodness, mercy and grace throughout this northwest African nation.
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