The Association:
The Malian Association of Christian lawyers (« Association des Juristes Chrétiens du Mali » ( A.J.C.M.), a group of Christian lawyers meeting in the Republic of Mali, was officially recognised as an association here in Mali in January 2005.

Why a Malian Association of Christian Lawyers?
God has a heart for justice. We want to mobilise and equip men and women of God who work in the legal profession so that they might live out their faith in their everyday work. This would enable them to be living witnesses of the Gospel and at the same time to influence society in the area of justice, through their decisions and actions.

The Association’s Objectives:
The objectives of the A.J.C.M are:

• To develop our relationship with God by meeting together, praying for and encouraging one another;
  
• To re-enforce justice in the carrying out of our day to day activities, by referring to biblical principles;
  
• To create a means of exchange of ideas and support between the Christian lawyers in Mali;
  
• To create a means of exchange of ideas between the Christian and other lawyers.
  

How do we do this?
At the moment, the members of the Association meet about every two months in Bamako. These meetings are times of prayer, encouragement and planning. We hope, following on from this, to organise conferences and seminars, and to begin specific projects to see justice be advanced in our country.

The Role of YWAM Koutiala:
Mrs Alison DIARRA, a member of staff of our YWAM Koutiala base, is one of the founding members of this Association, and she currently serves as its Vice President.

Advocates International:
We are also part of an international organisation called “Advocates International” and it’s continental network: “Advocates Africa”. For more information on this organisation, please consult their website: www.advocatesinternational.org.

Some of our lawyers with Bayo Akinlade (AI Liaison for Africa) during his visit to Mali in August 2005.