Mali
June 27th

“LORD, you will grant peace to Mali, for all that is accomplished, you have done!”

LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.(Isaiah 26:12,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 27.4 million
Area | 1,240,000㎢ Located in the southeastern part of the South American continent.
Capital City | Bamako (2.92 million people)
People Groups | Total 73 groups, Bambara 29.9%, Fulani 13.3%, Senufo 10.6%, Soninke 8.6%, Malinke 7.8%, Songhai 7.3%, Dogon 6.2%
People Groups Unreached | 43 groups (91.5% of the population)
Official Language(s) | French, Bambara, Fulbe, Songhai
Total Languages | 69
Bible Translations | Completed 9, New Testament 19, Partial 12
Religion | Christianity 2.8% (Protestant 0.8%, Catholic 2%) Islam 87.8%, Ethnic religions 9.2%, Evangelical 0.7% (140,000 people)

》 About Mali

Mali was once part of the Mali Empire (13th–16th centuries) but was divided into several states after the Moroccan invasion in 1590. It became a French protectorate in 1895, later gaining autonomous status within the French Community in 1958, and finally achieving independence in 1960.
The first president, Modibo Keita, implemented a socialist dictatorship, but in 1968, a bloodless military coup led to a new regime. By 1979, the Democratic Union of the Malian People (UDPM) was established as the only legal political party, and the country remained under military rule. In 1991, popular protests toppled the military dictatorship, paving the way for the first democratically elected civilian government in 1992. However, Tuareg communities in the northeast, dissatisfied with their political status, frequently engaged in violent uprisings. The government responded by granting autonomy and addressing poverty issues, helping to restore stability. Although Mali was considered one of the more politically stable nations in West Africa, this changed in 2020, when President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was ousted in a military coup, and former Defense Minister Bah Ndaw led a transitional government. After the 2021 coup, an 18-month transitional government was formed, but President Ndaw was removed in a second coup. Currently, Colonel Assimi Goïta serves as the interim president under a military-led transitional government.

Mali remains one of the poorest countries in the world. As a landlocked nation, it depends heavily on gold mining and agricultural exports. Cotton and gold together account for about 80% of Mali’s export revenue, yet the country still relies heavily on foreign aid. Repeated coups, political instability, rapid population growth, corruption, weak infrastructure, and low levels of human capital continue to hinder economic development. Despite its vast gold reserves, much of the population struggles with poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to basic services. Mali’s GDP per capita is approximately $2,200.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Mali was once a politically stable nation despite its poverty. More than 87% of the population is Muslim, yet it had a secular government that ensured religious freedom. However, after the 2012 coup, Al-Qaeda seized control of the northern desert region, shutting down all schools and enforcing strict Islamic education. Their influence has spread to central Mali, bringing increased threats, terrorism, and foreign kidnappings. The 2020 coup resulted in a continued military regime, leaving the country’s administration paralyzed and public education at a standstill. While Al-Qaeda, the military government, and Islam hold control over Mali, we call upon the name of the LORD, the true ruler of this land, asking Him to deliver the nation from all crises.
Before the political turmoil, Christianity made up 2.6% of the population. There were about 700 churches in Mali, and evangelicals remained at 0.7% of the population. Though the percentage did not change, natural birth rates had increased their numbers by 40,000 since 2010. However, the church has not been actively spreading the gospel, and a lack of passion and financial support has hindered ministries and discipleship training. Let us pray for a spiritual awakening in the Malian church, so that it may rise up as a beacon of life and passion for the gospel. May church leaders stand firm in the Word and prayer, leading their congregations in reverence and dependence on the LORD.

2. Hundreds of overseas missionaries from more than 40 mission organizations have served in Mali. However, gospel outreach has been slow, and a spiritual breakthrough is needed. Ministries such as Calvary Ministries (CAPRO), Avant, United World Mission (UWM), Evangelical Baptist Missions, the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA), and World Venture have been involved in evangelism, church planting, humanitarian aid, medical missions, education, and well-digging projects. We give thanks that all missionary organizations in Mali united to establish the Mali Protestant Evangelical Alliance (AGEMPEM), fostering cooperation in mission work. Their efforts were strategically focused on seven key ethnic groups, including the Bozo, Fulani, Malinke, Soninke, and Tuareg peoples. However, the continued occupation of northern Mali by Al-Qaeda and ongoing military coups have led to terrorism and kidnappings, forcing many missionaries and organizations to withdraw. Let us pray that God’s peace will reign over Mali, ensuring that despite the obstacles, His gospel will continue to spread.

3. Mali’s Muslim population is heavily supported by Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations. The capital, Bamako, alone has more than 3,000 Quranic schools, and private Islamic teachers educate nearly 40% of children. Let us pray that Muslims who read and teach the Quran will develop a deep spiritual thirst for Jesus Christ. We give thanks that some ethnic groups, despite being predominantly Muslim, now have more than 1% evangelical believers. Among them, the Bambara people, who make up about 30% of the population, have 1% evangelical believers. Many denominations and organizations have labored among them, yet the spiritual harvest has been small. Let us pray that believers among the Bobo (2.9%), Dogon (3.6%), and Senufo (1.8%) peoples will boldly proclaim the gospel, shining as light and salt among their communities.
Due to high illiteracy rates and a strong oral tradition, media-based evangelism has proven highly effective in Mali. Programs such as the International Mission Board (IMB)’s “One-Story” and the United Bible Societies (UBS)’ “Listening to the World” have been powerful tools for sharing the Word. Additionally, cassettes, digital audio Bibles, Christian radio broadcasts, television programs, and the Jesus Film have been instrumental in spreading the gospel. Let us pray that these tools will lead many Malians to encounter the true and living God.
More than half of Mali’s population is under the age of 15, and these children face severe poverty, disease, and malnutrition. Infant mortality rates remain alarmingly high, and many children lack access to basic healthcare. Let us pray that God will care for Mali’s next generation, providing them not only with physical sustenance but also with eternal salvation. May Mali’s young people, who feel discouraged be filled with God’s love and rise up as fearless witnesses of the gospel.

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