Growing extremist violence makes following Jesus more dangerous than ever.
bottom“The first time [Boko Haram] came, they shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is greater). If they catch you, they first give you a chance to convert to Islam. If you refuse, they kill you.”
– Pastor Mamoud*
*Name changed for security purposes
Christians in Cameroon face persecution on multiple fronts. In the northern regions, Islamic extremism is spreading as violence by Boko Haram, and other Islamic extremist groups, targets Christians. Believers in this area can face abductions, church burnings, and exclusion from community life. Converts from Islam face severe punishment. Owning a Bible can provoke violence, and women are often forced into marriage.
Additionally, pressure comes from instability. Clan-based control, organised crime, and corruption further deepen Christians’ vulnerability, especially where state authority is absent or complicit. Under broad anti-terror laws, Christians who speak out against state abuses face surveillance, intimidation, or even arrest. Hundreds of churches that criticised the regime have been closed.
Challenges to government inaction in the face of jihadist and clan-based persecution usually provoke reprisals. This has fostered a climate of fear and has silenced Christian leadership, weakening community resilience and access to justice.
Cameroon’s governance and security landscape is fractured, with Christians in three major regions experiencing sustained violence. In the far north, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) target Christians through village raids, church attacks, school burnings, and abductions, forcing many to flee or live in fear. In northwest and southwest regions, Christians are trapped between separatist militias and government forces. In every area, Christian converts experience the greatest pressure and violence from family and community.
– For stability throughout Cameroon and for Cameroon’s leaders actively provide safety for every citizen.
– For economic empowerment projects led by Open Doors’ partners in Cameroon. Pray that God blesses them to strengthen believers.
– The far north of Cameroon remains incredibly dangerous for Christians. Ask God to keep His people safe from Boko Haram raids.
Open Doors serves Christians in Cameroon through persecution-preparedness seminars, biblical discipleship training, socio-economic aid, and other support.
