Day 9

FEBRUARY | 2023

Mali

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

Mali’s military junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, pardoned the 49 Ivorian soldiers convicted of undermining Mali’s state security and conspiracy against the government. The pardon comes one week after 46 of the soldiers were sentenced to 20 years in prison. The three women who had been freed early were tried in absentia and sentenced to death. This gesture demonstrates his attachment to peace, dialogue, pan-Africanism, and the preservation of fraternal and secular relations with the countries of the region. Pray for Col. Assimi Goita, President of the Transition, Head of State to repent and receive forgiveness of sins from God. Pray for Malians to surrender their lives to God and experience peace in life (The Bible, Exodus 20:13).

Source:

https://www.africanews.com/2023/01/07/mali-junta-leader-pardons-detained-ivorian-soldiers/

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Mali has jumped four points up and is listed in 24th position in the World Watch report 2022 by Open Doors for Christian persecution. Malians continue to live under the threat of Islamic extremist groups that took control of the country’s northern region. Pressure against the Churches is rising, and missionaries are at constant risk of abduction. President of the Republic of Mali is incumbent Assimi Goïta Interim since 24 May 2021and Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga, since 21 August 2022. Mali struggles to keep peace with ever-present tribal tensions, and the presence of many radical Islamic militant groups in the north. The Malian government and northern armed groups signed an internationally mediated peace accord. Although a secular state with religious freedom, Islamization severely hampers opportunities to reach Malians. The northern regions are home to at least three known Islamic terror groups and are nearly impossible for the government and security forces to police.

CHIEF OF STATE
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta
HEAD OF GOV.
PM Modibo Keita
POPULATION
16,956,000
CHRISTIANS
2.7%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
0.6%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Sunni Islam
PERSECUTION RANKING
28
REFUGEES
291,615
LIFE EXPECTANCY
55 yrs
LITERACY RATE
27.7%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
36.1%

Day 9

FEBRUARY | 2023

Azerbaijan

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

Pray for Christian Believers in Azerbaijan as they face persecution because of choosing to follow Jesus. Praise God that these brothers and sisters are now children of God. Declare that their Heavenly Father’s heart is for them, watching over them, strengthening their faith in Christ. Pray that they may be committed to meeting together to spur each other on in their faith and service of God. Pray that God will protect them, as He watches over His children faithfully. (The Bible,  Galatians 3:26-27).

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Azerbaijan has been riding the line for years between democracy and fiefdom. Its New Azerbaijan Party is accused of authoritarianism and bribery. It imprisons corruption-busting journalists and human rights advocates. Friction with neighboring Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh disputed territory turned into an outright war from September to November 2020. Though a peace deal was negotiated, relations between the two nations have continued to be tense. Oil export revenues have aided the Azeri population, elevating living standards and increasing military strength. Yet, poverty and corruption plague the nation. The Church experiences ongoing restrictions, especially with raids on church meetings and homes of church leaders, and detentions of Christians continue.

CHIEF OF STATE
President Ilham Aliyev
HEAD OF GOV.
PM Artur Rasizade
POPULATION
9,781,000
CHRISTIANS
2.7%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
0.2%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Shia Islam
PERSECUTION RANKING
Not Ranked
REFUGEES
628,170
LIFE EXPECTANCY
72.2 yrs
LITERACY RATE
99.8%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
6%