Chad’s instability and authoritarianism intensify Christian persecution.
bottom“If Job suffered, so I say why not me? After the suffering of Job, I know that one day I also will be set free.”
—Aisha*
*Name changed for security purposes
In Chad’s unstable and increasingly authoritarian context, Christians, especially converts, face layered forms of persecution. Christians are subject to surveillance, harassment, and arbitrary repression. Conflict in the southwest has encouraged intercommunal tensions. Violence between Christian and non-Christian communities has resulted in displacement, property destruction, and cycles of retaliation.
Islamic extremist groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), remain active around the Lake Chad Basin. These groups continue to attack Christian villages, burn churches, and abduct believers particularly in rural zones with limited state protection. Their actions contribute to insecurity and religious polarisation.
Additionally, authoritarian policies add additional pressure, and several factors like corruption and crime have made the rule of law less trustworthy. Christian converts in Muslim-majority regions face threats, beatings, and forced concealment. Even private worship can trigger punishment.
In the border regions around Lake Chad, Islamic extremists continue to operate. In central Chad, churches encounter opposition from followers of traditional African religions. The north remains predominantly Muslim while the south is mostly Christian. Converts in eastern and northern Chad must worship in secret to avoid persecution and rejection by their families. Converts from traditional religions in the south face significant pressure to participate in non-Christian rituals.
– That God will change the hearts of Islamic extremists and that His people will be protected.
– That God will give Christian converts hope and peace.
– That God’s hand will be on this part of sub-Saharan Africa, that the church in Chad remains strong.
Open Doors works through local churches in Chad to offer persecution-preparedness training, economic empowerment programs, and other support to help Christians understand persecution and remain resilient.
