Mauritania

Source of persecution: Islamic extremism

Mauritania is proud to be a pure Muslim country, and its laws prohibit conversion to the Christian faith. Harsh government restrictions make it very difficult for Christian missions to operate here. Religious beliefs and practices are strongly restricted by government policies, although the government is weak in enforcing them. Pressure on Muslim-background believers from family, tribe members and local Muslim leaders is very high. The Arab Spring has not yet had an impact but Islam extremism is becoming more influential.

• There were reports of believers being beaten for their faith in 2012. Pray for protection and perseverance for God’s people
  
  
• Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb is monitoring Christian activity. Pray that its influence will diminish
  
  
• That literacy and translation projects will give more Mauritanians access to the Bible in their own language.