(Photo courtesy Open Doors)
Mali (Open Doors) — At least 20 of 170 people taken hostage during an attack on the Radisson Blue Hotel in Bamako, the capital of Mali, have died.
Gunmen shouting Islamic slogans attacked the hotel frequented by foreigners early Friday morning. After Malian commandos stormed the hotel, a large number of hostages were freed.
On Friday evening the group Al-Murabitoun, which is allied to al-Qaeda and led by notorious Islamist Moktar Belmoktar, claimed responsibility. They carried out attacks in Mali in March and August.
“Although it is suspected that the attack was sparked by terror attack on Paris, France, last week, it is important to keep in mind that the attack happened within the context of insecurity that has been lingering since the 2013 Islamic rebellion. A fragile peace accord reached in June 2015 has so far not succeeded in brokering lasting stability,” commented an Open Doors worker.
“Some of the Christians who were forced to flee the North during the 2013 rebellion have ventured back, but have found it very hard to cope with the destruction of their properties and to cope with the ongoing insecurity. However, as this attack clearly shows, Christians in the South also continue to face insecurity.
“No Open Doors staff or contacts have been directly affected by the attack. Please join us in praying for God’s sustaining grace for our brothers and sisters there as they face these uncertainties. Please continue to pray for peace in Mali.”
Thank you for sharing