Day 9
Mali
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/
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.
