Let us pray for the Malian Church: between trial and confidence

For almost seven months, Mali has been going through a serious fuel shortage which affects not only daily life, but also the Church and its activities.

In Mali, entire villages are starving after trade routes were closed by JNIM, a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaeda. Since September 2025, these actions have put the authority of the Malian state to the test, reports the media The Conversation.

Local Open Doors partners contacted Charles Yabaga Diarra (pseudonym), a church leader in Mali and spokesperson for the Africa: United Against Violence campaign, about the current situation.

What is the current situation in Mali?

Charles Yabago Diarra —The fuel crisis began in September last year, when JNIM blocked land trade routes, making refueling at gas stations impossible. Since then, the situation has seen some improvements thanks to a truce between the military authorities and JNIM terrorists, which came after several weeks of severe shortages in Bamako.

The pressure exerted on an already fragile economy is causing Malians to suffer greatly. The blockade has only worsened the humanitarian, economic and food situation.

Today, prices of basic necessities and food have risen sharply due to shortages of goods and medicines. Transport and travel have become very difficult. Many people lost their jobs and insecurity increased. In many schools, classes have been suspended.

What was the impact of this situation on the activities of the churches?

CYD –Â The impact on the activities of the Church is significant. In the early days of the blockade, we noticed a drop in attendance at church activities. The conduct of worship was affected, because there was no more electricity. At the same time, donations to the church have declined.

Visiting and serving other believers has become difficult. Some people are even afraid to go out and meet other people. As for the missionaries present in rural areas, they find themselves isolated.

Have there been any consequences on your ministry?

CYD –Â What affected the Church also affected me as a leader. Concern increased, visits were limited and important meetings had to be canceled.

Nevertheless, this complicated situation had the merit of giving us the opportunity to think about other ways of serving. It encourages us to trust God.

I am always amazed when I see and think about God’s faithfulness during this crisis. God heard our prayers, because churches and believers around the world stood in the gap for our nation.