On the run

"Our village was destroyed by jihadists," report some women. "They caused carnage among the men and forced us women to flee." The atrocities are compounded by religious terror. A refugee from another village near the town of Koro reports: "The Islamists forced our women to veil themselves by beating them. They demanded that we say their prayers. When we refused, they gave us three days to leave the village."

Hundreds of internally displaced Christians now live in Koro. Almost all of them experienced traumatic experiences during the attacks and had to leave all their belongings behind. In the city, far from their homes, they feel like prisoners. ‘We can't find work. It's hard to put a meal on the table. We are hungry,’ complains one displaced person. Many flee further south, to Bamako. But even in the capital, life is difficult for the refugees.

This is also the case for Adriana*. When the widow tries to report on the brutal attack by jihadists on her village, her voice fails her. With her severely traumatised children - one son was tortured for hours by the extremists - she manages to flee to Bamako. Adriana, and many other Christians with her, are grateful for the relief supplies and the support of ACP Néhémie Mali.

The establishment of a cooperative is planned in central Mali. This is focused on agriculture and enables uprooted Christians to lead a self-determined life again. In the south, on a piece of land near Bamako, our partner has started building a village. At least 30 persecuted families are to find a new home here. With all of this, we are also bringing the gospel and thus hope into a Muslim environment.

* Name changed