Introduction
Every day, the media report on the persecution of Christians somewhere in Africa. Indeed, the 2023 World Persecution Index produced by the non-governmental organization (NGO) “Open Doors” shows that Africa remains the most dangerous continent for a Christian once again this year. Already in 2018, 97% of Christians killed were African, worse, since 2023, 89% of Christians killed worldwide (5,014 people), have been in Nigeria. Let’s explore together this macabre scourge that is ravaging Africa and turning the continent into an open-air tomb for its Christian faithful.
A continental phenomenon with alarming figures.
Safety is no guarantee for Christians across the continent, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, which holds the sad record of one Christian killed every two hours, according to the NGO “Porte Ouvertes”. In Nigeria, a country of 212 million inhabitants, 46% of whom are Christians, over 60,000 Christians have been murdered in 20 years, in addition to 2 million displaced in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, 4,761 faithful lost their lives in atrocities in Africa, an increase of 6% on 2022 (Open Doors). These atrocities are not only murders and massacres, but also attempts at intimidation. In all, no fewer than 2,000 people have been killed in Africa.
Security is no guarantee for Christians across the continent, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, which holds the sad record of one Christian killed every two hours, according to the NGO “Porte Ouvertes”. In Nigeria, a country of 212 million inhabitants, 46% of whom are Christians, over 60,000 Christians have been murdered in 20 years, in addition to 2 million displaced in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, 4,761 faithful lost their lives in atrocities in Africa, an increase of 6% on 2022 (Open Doors). These atrocities are not only murders and massacres, but also attempts at intimidation. In all, no fewer than 2,000 churches have closed their doors across the continent since 2012.
The main players and their sinister motives.
When Islamist terrorist groups spread terror
Lately, Africa has been transformed into a theater of violence and insecurity. It is clear that those behind this destabilization are the same people who are responsible for the murder, persecution and assassination of believers. We’re talking, of course, about Islamic terrorism.
Indeed, wherever jihadists sprout up, violence escalates and acts of violence of a rare brutality plunge communities into mourning. Leading the way is the “Boko Haram” terrorist group operating in West Africa. In December 2023, they orchestrated the deaths of over 200 people and wounded 500, attacking 26 different villages in the space of 3 days on the occasion of Christmas. The Islamic State organization (EI) and its affiliated groups, such as the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), play a major role in this carnage. In Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, they occupy land while massacring and brutalizing defenseless believers along the way.
Dark designs.
Driven by hateful and barbaric motivations such as the practice of a more radical Islam, the application of Islamic law (Sharia) and the founding of an Islamic caliphate. These insurgents do not hesitate to martyrize communities through rape and forced conversions, forcing many practicing Muslims to flee their lands as these criminals approach, becoming war-displaced within Africa itself.
Ethnic militia and discriminatory government at the heart of the disaster.
Apart from terrorism, which is a real scourge for African Christianity, atrocities are also committed by other entities such as ethnic militias, which are rampant throughout Africa. In the Central African Republic, Libya, Mauritania and all countries where the security situation is unstable, these individuals lay down the law and attack communities. “Wherever religious or ideological nationalism takes hold, minorities are persecuted”, the words of Guillaume Guennec, director of the NGO Open Doors, illustrate the situation of Christians in certain countries, who suffer from repressive laws that result in the abusive arrest of the faithful and the closure of churches.
Conclusion
Africa, the cradle of humanity, is today plunged into mourning by anti-Christian hatred. Innocent people are suffering atrocities and persecution simply because of their faith. In the face of this heart- and soul-breaking scourge, it is imperative that we unite our voices and forces to demand an urgent and concerted response. Our governments and international organizations have a moral duty to protect the most vulnerable and to guarantee freedom of religion, a fundamental right inherent in every human being. Inaction is no longer an option. Silence is a sin. It’s time to break the chains of hatred and build a future where love and compassion illuminate the African continent.
