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A wave of attacks has gripped Mali this April. On the morning of Saturday, 25 April, heavy gunfire and explosions could be heard in the country's capital, Bamako, and in the cities of Kati, Sevare and Kidal. According to the local news and security reports, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) jihadists are behind this apparently coordinated violence on military bases and airports across the country. These groups have affiliations with Islamist extremists al-Qaeda.
In a further incident, Mali's defense minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in what appears to be a suicide bombing targeting his home near Bamako. A truck laden with explosives was detonated, killing Camara and three of his family members.
"We trust in the Lord for protection, not in the army. Grace and peace."
Charles Yabaga Diarra*, senior church leader in Bamako
Last week, Charles Yabaga Diarra*, a senior church leader in Bamako, shared: "Yesterday and today Bamako seems calm, no gunfire and people went to work. We still have blockade[s] in some parts of the city, and reports are coming drip by drip. It seems major officers were killed, and many civilians were collateral. It is really hard to explain what happened, and no one is saying anything."
He adds: "The situation in the deep country is worrying. On Saturday in Kati, many jihadists were killed by young civilians, and the jihadists promised to retaliate, and yesterday they started to stop buses going to Sikasso, and they made passengers crawl and beat them with rods. No government official has been seen on TV except the minister of communication reading some communiques."
The church in Mali is calling for prayer from their international church family during this fearful and uncertain time.
As Charles Yabaga Diarra shares, military personnel and civilians have been killed in the fighting already, as well as the defense minister. Please pray for all who are mourning their loved ones to be comforted. "The association of evangelical and Protestant women called for prayer for the nation and the family of Christians killed," Charles Yabaga Diarra adds.
"Cities like Kidal and Bourem are today controlled by the FLA and JNIM," says Charles Yabaga Diarra. "We wait to see what will happen. We trust in the Lord for protection, not in the army. Grace and peace." Please join in praying for protection over all civilians and for the situation to quickly come under control.
"Yesterday we went to church, and the service went well," shared Charles Yabaga Diarra. "I heard nothing bad happened to the churches." Praise God that churches do not seem to be targeted in Mali, and pray for unity and peace among the nation's Christians. May this be a time when they can show the light of the gospel to those who are fearful.
Mali is number 15 on the World Watch List. Since a coup in 2021, Mali's military leaders have increased surveillance and suppressed civil liberties, including religious freedom. Christian groups, especially those linked to foreign networks or human rights work, are viewed with suspicion, and requests for protection are often ignored. Please pray for the leaders of the country to respect and champion religious freedom.
Pray for these extremist groups and that they will come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, repent and follow Him.
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:15-17)
*Name changed for security reasons