MALI: On Sunday, January 11, several industrial sites in Mali’s western Kayes region were attacked by suspected jihadists connected to al-Qaeda. These attackers shifted their focus from blocking fuel supplies to directly targeting economic structures. Reports released on Monday revealed that three factories—producing cement, lime, and plaster—owned by Malian and Indian entrepreneurs were hit in planned assaults. Witnesses reported that between 150 and 200 heavily armed attackers arrived on motorcycles, divided into groups, and set the factories on fire, leading to significant destruction. Photos of burning cement bags and damaged buildings spread quickly on social media, highlighting the extent of the damage. Local officials who visited the areas described them as nearly completely destroyed, with residents expressing concerns that the attackers seemed intent on stopping all industrial activities in the region. This recent violence underscores the worsening security and economic crisis affecting western Mali as jihadist threats escalate against both civilians and industries.
- Pray for God’s divine intervention to bring peace to Mali, restrain jihadist violence, and protect civilians, workers, and communities from further attacks and destruction (The Holy Bible, Psalm 27:1).
- Pray for the restoration of destroyed industries, economic stability in the Kayes region, and hope for families whose livelihoods have been affected, that Mali may recover from fear and hardship (The Holy Bible, Joel 2:25).
News Source: The North Africa Post
Image Source: Canva
