Amid extremist violence, conversion to Christianity is more dangerous than ever.
bottom"The Word of God is the source of my hope and strength. Boko Haram took my happiness away when they burned my Bible."
– Rukayyatu
The spread of Islamic extremist ideology continues to accelerate, particularly in the country’s northern areas with a heavy Muslim population. This means that conversion from Islam to Christianity is more dangerous than ever. In these parts of Cameroon, new converts are often forced to practice their faith in secrecy, and owning Bibles or any Christian literature can lead to threats and aggression. Revealing their faith in Jesus to family members or the community places converts at significant risk.
The looming threat of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the north is also an ongoing concern. Christians in this part of Cameroon face the possibility of abduction, sexual violence, forced displacement, and death. Additionally, church activities have been severely disrupted; many churches are unable to function due to attacks and displacement, along with government pressure.
Political instability is also a concern for believers; power vacuums give rise to extremism, meaning Christians are increasingly vulnerable. Ongoing fighting between the government and rebel groups has affected the church—with some rebel groups targeting Christians.
Christians living in places where they are at risk for violent attack are the most vulnerable in Cameroon. This includes the far north and other regions where there is rebel violence. Additionally, Christians residing in proximity to areas of conflict between government forces and rebel groups are subjected to severe pressure. These challenges include the heightened risk of kidnapping, the occupation of their churches by both military and rebel forces, and various additional adversities.
– Pray for lasting peace, and for the chaos and violence to end.
– Ask God to help the victims of violence find comfort and restoration in Christ.
– Pray that God would make the church a place of hope and stability amid the violence.
Open Doors works through local partners to strengthen persecuted Christians in Cameroon by providing emergency relief aid, trauma care, economic empowerment projects, and spiritual care for new believers.
