On 23 April, rebels from the 3R group in Central African Republic (CAR) attacked and kidnapped three pastors. During the attack, Mada Salomon (47), Saoupou Armand (36), and Dorophile Guy Paterne (34) were preaching to believers from their respective churches who had gathered from local villages for a joint evangelism outreach.
According to eyewitnesses, heavily armed rebels suddenly disrupted the service.
“We were simply preaching the Word of God when everything changed,” said Pastor Mada Salomon. “The 3R rebels came out in large numbers, surrounding the church from all sides. They were armed with Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers, and grenades. We were paralysed with fear.”
The attackers reportedly targeted both the leaders and symbols of the Christian faith during the assault. “They seized the believers and took the Bibles from our hands,” Pastor Salomon continued. “They took the three of us pastors, those leading the evangelism, and forced us into the bush. It was clear they wanted to stop the work of the Gospel.”
Once in captivity, the pastors say they endured violence and humiliation while witnessing the destruction of their property and sacred materials.
“They burned our Bibles in front of us,” he says. “These are not just books. They represent our faith and our mission. They also burned our two motorcycles. Then then began to mistreat us and demanded money for our release.”
The rebels reportedly held the pastors captive until a ransom was paid. Despite widespread fear, members of the Christian community mobilised.
“Some believers fled into the bush out of fear, but others returned after hearing what happened,” Pastor Salomon explains. “Together they raised 1,300,000 francs and sent it to secure our release. Without their sacrifice, we might not be alive today.”
The pastors were released on 25 April 2026 after the ransom payment was made.
Church is Resilient Despite Trauma
Reflecting on the experience, Pastor Salomon describes both the trauma and the resilience of the Church in the region.
“The incident was very serious. We were beaten and threatened, and our faith was attacked,” he says. “But even after everything, we did not run away. We have continued the evangelism. We are going to those who fled into the bush, calling them to return and stand firm in their faith.”
Pastor Salomon also reiterates the extremely difficult conditions in which both pastors and believers in Central African Republic continue to serve.
“The roads here are nearly impassable, and movement is dangerous,” he added. “Yet, by the grace of God, we continue to move. We are determined to keep sharing the Gospel despite the risks.”
The 3R rebel group has been active in the northwest since December 2015 and claims to defend the interests of Fulani communities. But it has also been linked to attacks on villages, including those with predominantly Christian populations, as well as looting and territorial control. Although the group was officially dissolved in December 2025 following a peace agreement brokered by the United Nations, attacks continue.
Despite the ongoing insecurity, the pastors are calling for spiritual support as they rebuild their lives and ministry.
“We ask you to pray for us,” Pastor Salomon appeals. “Pray for the Church in this area, for the believers, and for us pastors. Pray that God gives us wisdom and strength to reach those still hiding and to bring them back. We are waiting for peace to return to our land. We have nothing else to ask, only your prayers.”
Please pray:
- Let us thank God for the safety and resilience of the pastors kidnapped and the body of Christ in Northwest CAR.
- Pray for protection and strength for the three pastors, that the Lord heals them from all trauma and renews their courage to continue His work.
- Pray for the Church in Lim-Pendé, that believers will stand firm in faith despite fear, harassment, and persecution.
- Pray for lasting peace and security in the region, that violence will end, and communities will be restored.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
