Prominent religious and community leaders recently led a demontration against the existence of Christians in the Mauritanian city of Sélibaby.

Christians were threatened on social media before and during the demonstration, which was approved by the authorities.

The demonstration finished at the cemetery, where a mob broke the tomb of a recently deceased Christian, exhumed his body, dragged it in the streets and brought it to a village 20 km outside of Sélibaby, where it was reburied, reports Christian organisation Middle East Concern (MEC).

After the desecation of the tomb, the incidents decreased, but threats continue on social media, with posts describing Christians “as infidels and apostates”, and urging “action against them”.

According to MEC, authorities announced the day after the demonstration, that security leaders in the area were fired after an investigation.

Continuous threats

These were not the first violent incidents against Christians or individuals considered to be anti-Islam. Late in 2023, a large number of church leaders and their family members were arrested without good cause. They were released in early 2024.

Furthermore, the national Parliament debated Christian activities, with several ministers vowing to take action against the expansion of churches.

Christians, both adults and children, have denounced being attacked verbally and physically both in the streets and  schools. Christian leaders and their families have also received threats, compelling them to temporary relocate.

Mauritania has one of the harshest apostasy laws, with death as the only punishment.

Pray for Mauritania

Middle East Concern said believers in Mauritania call on Christians worldwide to pray for “strength in these difficult times” and “divine protection, that the death threats will not be implemented”.

They also ask for “wisdom and the guidance of the Spirit in how to deal with the hate campaign and the ostracism”, and “conviction from the Holy Spirit for those who incite such hate”.