Pray for: Mali

Mali has experienced great upheaval in recent years. Since 2012 there have been three military coups. In 2012, a mix of Islamist and Tuareg rebels in the north caused up to 500,000 people to flee to the south or to other countries, including most Christians in the region. Elections and a new government in 2013 brought stability, but only for a season. The subsequent coups in both 2020 and 2021 point to Mali’s vulnerability. There is another ongoing conflict between the nomadic Fulani herdsmen and the farming tribes of the Dogon and Bambara. Tensions have long existed between these groups, but these have escalated into murderous assaults by armed ethnic militias. Meanwhile, the Islamic State has gained control of significant chunks of Mali’s southest. All of these developments have spelled intensifying challenges for Christians. May the Prince of Peace prevail in a land crippled by violence!

Mali must overcome huge challenges of high child mortality rates, malnutrition, and desertification. Around 10% of children will not survive to the age of five. Out of those who do survive, 1 in 3 will be malnourished. 67% of the land area is desert or semi-desert, and the desert continues to spread. Pray that Mali’s leaders will have wisdom, and will know how to provide health, education, and employment to their people. The country needs long-term stability and foreign investment. Many Christian ministry opportunities exist.