This week The Voice of the Martyrs Be-A-Voice-Network sent out an update about the latest concerning Christians in Mali.
Ethnic Tuareg rebels have seized control of three main provincesin northern Mali. The National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad (NMLA), which led the rebellion, claims to be secular. However, they have been aided by jihadists fighting specifically for an Islamic state in which Sharia (Islamic law) is enforced. Once the NMLA achieved its goal, its ally, a jihadist faction known as Ansar Dine, seized control, hoisted the black flag of al-Qaeda and announced the imposition of Sharia. Sources say there are now four flags flying in Gao province--those of the NMLA, Boko Haram, Ansar Dine and al-Qaeda. The rebellion has resulted in widespread violence. Rapes have
been reported and massive destruction and looting have crippled the humanitarian aid sector. In addition, Christian charities and churches have been destroyed. Virtually the entire Christian population of northern Mali has been forced to flee.Sources: Assist News Service and Religious Liberty Monitoring
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