Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania has had a long succession of military coups that were a continuation of rivalry among Moorish tribes. The military junta transformed itself into a multiparty democracy in 1992, but was ousted by a bloodless coup in 2005. The restoration of a civilian government came after the 2007 elections. Another coup took place in 2008, and then further presidential elections were held in 2009, re-establishing civilian government. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions among its black population (Afro-Mauritanians) and white and black Moor (Arab-Berber) communities, and is having to confront a growing terrorism threat by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.

One of the poorest and most restricted countries in the world, Islam has dominated Mauritania for more than 1,000 years. The government upholds a combination of several legal traditions, including Shariah law. The Constitution officially states that Islam is the religion of the people and the state. The vast majority practises moderate Sunni Islam permeated by folk magic. There is tremendous social pressure against anyone converting to another faith.

Christians make up one-quarter of 1 percent of the population, and the vast majority of Mauritanian peoples essentially remain unreached. Believers in Mauritania have at times been imprisoned, beaten for their faith or endured ostracism by family or tribe. Expatriate Christians suspected of proselytizing Mauritanians are subject to harassment, interrogation, brief imprisonment, expulsion and even murder. The murder of a foreign Christian by Islamic terrorists in 2009, as well as extremist activities, has led to many expatriate believers leaving the country.

Prayer Requests

• Pray that Christians in Mauritania will find support and fellowship with other believers, despite their small numbers.
• Pray for increasing freedom of religion, both socially and legally.
• Pray seekers will encounter Jesus, and those who follow Him will be courageous in their witness.