How many Christians are there in Mauritania?
Christians are a tiny minority in Mauritania. In a population of around 4.8 million, just 10,800 are Christians. The majority are Muslim.
What does persecution look like in Mauritania?
The restrictive environment in Mauritania makes it impossible for Christians to gather openly. This is especially true for converts from Islam, who face enormous pressure from their families and communities. In Mauritania's tribal culture, leaving Islam is not only seen as religious betrayal, but also as a betrayal of the tribe and family. Understandably, in such a culture there is no room for celebrating baptisms, Christian marriages or funerals. Those who convert to Christianity could also face prosecution, since it is illegal to leave Islam.
Openly expressing the Christian faith is even risky for foreign nationals, as it could be regarded as an attempt to convert others to Christianity, which can lead to prosecution.
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Pressure on Christians in Mauritania has increased in the past year, caused by a tightening of the blasphemy and apostasy laws. Christians have experienced growing opposition in every area of life apart from family life, which remains at the same level. The sharpest rise is in violence, but this could be because more incidents are being reported.
What has changed compared to last year?
Pressure on Christians in Mauritania has increased in the past year, caused by a tightening of the blasphemy and apostasy laws. Christians have experienced growing opposition in every area of life apart from family life, which remains at the same level. The sharpest rise is in violence, but this could be because more incidents are being reported.
What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Mauritania?
Open Doors supports the church in North Africa through distributing Christian literature, providing training, and organizing socio-economic development projects and advocacy support.
How can you pray for Mauritania?
- Pray that the law in Mauritania will change so that it is no longer illegal to leave Islam.
- Ask for strength and protection for all converts, and that families will increasingly honour and respect the decision of any member to follow Jesus.
- Pray that opportunities will open up for believers to share the gospel with others safely.
Dear God, thank You for the small but faithful church in Mauritania. Give those who’ve made the bold decision to follow You the strength to stand firm and serve You. May they shine brightly, leading others to You, too. Protect Christian women from forced or unhealthy marriages, and place them in families and communities where they will not just survive, but thrive. Amen.
