Extremist blockades push Mali into further instability
By Joanne Khmel | November 19, 2025
Mali (MNN) — Security conditions in Mali are rapidly deteriorating, prompting the African Union to call for urgent international action.
Extremist groups have choked off major highways leading into the capital, Bamako, creating a fuel and economic blockade. They have also begun kidnapping foreigners, escalating tensions across the region.
Greg Kelley of Unknown Nations explained that the situation “causes absolute pandemonium and chaos.”
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), aligned with Al Qaeda, are working to dominate the region and enforce Sharia law. With Christians making up less than one percent of Mali’s population, the climate poses significant danger for the local church.
“That brings a real challenge to the church, because Christians are suffering in the midst of that,” Kelley added.
A humanitarian crisis is also unfolding as daily conditions continue to worsen. Kelley explains:
“Life is difficult, but when you bring coup attempts and radical extremists trying to take over, it makes life all the more difficult, and these people are beginning to question their worldview.”
Unknown Nations is responding with practical aid for those fighting to survive — support that often opens doors for Gospel conversations. “They can say, ‘I love you in Jesus’ name, and let me tell you about the hope of glory,’” Kelley explained.
Mali is home to seventy-four distinct people groups. Pray that the love of Christ reaches them in the midst of suffering.
Visit Unknown Nations to learn how they bring the Gospel of Christ to the nations. Pray as they strategize ways to help Malians and the unreached people groups in the country.
Header photo: Bamako, Mali (photo courtesy of Mark Fischer via Wikimedia Commons).
Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/extremist-blockades-push-mali-into-further-instability/