Isolated from the rest of the world because of its mainly desert landscape and because it is ruled by an oppressive regime, Mauritania is very proud to officially be a pure Muslim country. The constitution does not include any provisions for religious freedom and its laws prohibit conversion to Christianity. The sentence for apostasy is death. Pressure on Muslim-background believers from family, tribe members and leaders of local mosques is very high. There is some freedom for expat churches, but Mauritanian Christians must meet in secret.
Pray:
- There were reports of local Christians being beaten. Pray for healing for those who’ve been attacked
- For wisdom for Christians and churches that are being monitored and for unity within the Christian community
- Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM) is gaining support among local Mauritanians and is monitoring Christians. Pray that its influence will diminish.
