World Watch List 2010:

#8. Mauritania

The situation in Mauritania deteriorated gravely in the reporting period due to the murder of a Christian aid worker in June 2009, the arrest and torture of 35 Mauritanian Christians in July 2009 and the arrest of a group of 150 of Sub-Saharan Christians in August 2009 for having their own church meeting (these meetings are only allowed in a few Catholic and Protestant churches).

The murder was claimed by al-Qaida in the Maghreb (AQIM), a terrorist group from Algerian origin recently linking up with al-Qaida and widening the scope of its activities to the whole of North Africa. However, local police were responsible for the arrest and torture of Mauritanian Christians and the arrest of the Sub-Saharan Christians.

The Mauritanian Constitution defines the country as an Islamic republic and recognizes Islam as the religion of its citizens and the state. The government limits freedom of religion by prohibiting the printing and distribution of non-Islamic religious materials and the proselytizing of Muslims.

A military junta, conducted by General Aziz, toppled the country's elected president in 2008. Mauritanian pro-democratic parties urged the African Union to pressure the ruling junta to obey its directive to reinstate the toppled president. After many discussions and the dismissal of the former president, General Aziz was elected as new president in July 2009.

About the Church (Persecution: Oppression)

There are only 400 to 1,000 Indigenous Christians in this country, among 4,250 total Christians.
Laws forbid Mauritanians from hearing the gospel or converting to Christ. Article 11 of the Press Act is used to prevent proselytizing of Muslims by non-Muslims, and to restrict the printing, distribution and importation of non-Islamic religious materials, though private ownership is not illegal.
There is no freedom for conversion to another religion then Islam. The government takes great pains to keep Christianity away from the people.
The sentence for apostasy is death- although this sentence has (formally) not been carried out in recent years.
Mauritania is a new country. It gained independence from France in 1960. Cultural influences are influenced by the role of Islam and also the caste system, which included former slaves. The tribe you belong to is more important than the nationality
New believers are rejected by their family and tribe. Native Christians face severe pressure of their environment.
More than 50% of the adult population is illiterate.
Living in Mauritania are many Christian African brothers who are get money for their families. Until recently, they held Christian meetings in their own languages in homes. Now these meetings are forbidden.

Examples of Persecution:

Chris Leggett was murdered by Al Qaeda on June 23, 2009. (See Compass Direct, July 1: Christians in Mauritania Tense after Murder of Aid Worker)
At the end of June and the beginning of July 2009, 35 native persons from Mauritania were arrested and tortured by the police. After 5 days they were released by paying bail up to € 480. One brother reported that he was released after 6 days.
On Sunday, August 30, around 150 African Christian men, women and children were arrested because they held Christian services in their own language at home. The men stayed two days at the police station. They have received the order to have meetings only in the Catholic Church.

Role of Open Doors:

Open Doors partners with other organizations in providing Scriptures, literature and audio/video materials.
When appropriate relief or micro credit is provided for secret believers who face difficulties because of discrimination or job loss.

Prayer Points:

That after the military coup which toppled the elected president in August 2008 there will be a peaceful return to genuine democracy
For a greater openness to the Gospel. Ask God to reveal himself to those who are seeking the truth
That with many people nomadic and very poor, the few indigenous believers will grow in wisdom and perseverance.