What does persecution look like in Cameroon? What is life like for Christians? The Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is active in northern Cameroon and has created a hostile environment for Christians. Christians have been kidnapped and killed, and churches were targeted and attacked. Because the government is often focused elsewhere, it’s given an opening for Boko Haram to expand and continue attacks that target Christians.
In areas where Boko Haram is active, church activities have been hindered or disturbed. Due to the displacement of people, churches have not been able to function normally in those parts of the country. In other areas, security injunctions have set heavy restrictions on church activities. In Cameroon, it is very difficult for Muslims who want to convert to Christianity. In predominantly Muslim parts of the country, there has been a process of radicalization. When Bibles or other Christian literature are found in their possession, converts from Islam have been threatened. They are not free to express their faith or Christian beliefs—even to immediate family—because doing so exposes them to the risk of violent responses from their community. Many Christians with a Muslim background face problems with local communities in remote areas in the northern regions, where the central government is not strong enough to keep peace and religious freedom—or to defend these areas from attacks by Islamic extremists. Female converts from Islam are often forced into marriage with non-Christians, and Christian women also face the danger of abduction by Boko Haram.
Meet Samuel “The attacks are incessant. In the evening, we go to the mountains to sleep and in the morning, we return to the village to work. That is how we live now because our homes are not safe. Sometimes, we can see [Boko Haram] watching us from the mountains … possibly planning their next attack. When they attack, we can only run and hide for safety. Many Christians have fled the village because we can’t predict when the next attack will be.' What has changed in Cameroon?
In the time since last year’s list, Cameroon rose six spots on the 2021 World Watch List. Persecution has increased in almost every sphere of life for followers of Jesus in Cameroon, and violence has increased, as well. It is a troubling trend for this sub-Saharan African nation. Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Any kind of strong, stable government—and the security that it provides—is difficult to establish and develop in Cameroon. Christians experience violence for their faith in the far north, where Boko Haram continues to mount attacks; an insurgency is growing in the northwest and southwest regions. Additionally, converts from Islam are particular targets in their communities.
What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Cameroon? Open Doors’ programs in Cameroon aim to support the church in the areas of persecution preparedness, discipleship training and economic empowerment. Population statistic: Johnson T M and Zurlo G A, eds., World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, accessed February 2020).
Pray for Cameroon
In the north of Cameroon, people’s lives have been disrupted by Boko Haram violence that has spilled across the border from Nigeria. Many Christian communities have faced targeting. The level of intimidation these believers face is extremely difficult. Pray for peace in the storm.
Pray for converts from Islam, that they would be protected from violence and oppression at the hands of their family, friends and community.
Pray God would protect Christian women in Cameroon who are at constant risk of abduction, forced marriage and sexual violence at the hands of Boko Haram. Pray they will be protected, that victims will find healing from their trauma, and that God would confuse and undo the schemes of the Enemy.
Stories from Cameroon January 18, 2021 13 Christians murdered for following Jesus—every day Read More - January 14, 2021 Betrayed, watched and martyred: 5 major trends in persecution against Christians Read More - December 8, 2020 After repeated attacks, Christians in Cameroon ask: ‘Pray for our enemies, Boko Haram’ Read More -