43 Cameroon

Persecution Type
  • Islamic oppression (Very strong)
  • Dictatorial paranoia (Strong)
  • Organized  corruption and crime (Strong)
  • Clan oppression (Medium)
  • Christian denominational protectionism (Medium)
Christian population

17,647,000

Government

Presidential Republic

Main Religion

Cameroon

Leader

President Paul Biya

What does persecution look like in Cameroon?

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 ISWAP in the Far 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 because it means they are increasingly vulnerable. Ongoing fighting between the government and rebel groups has affected the church—with some rebel groups targeting Christians. And the humanitarian crisis in neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR) has created an ongoing state of upheaval. Many Christians from CAR have fled and sought refuge in Cameroon. This creates new hardships for believers among the refugees and for Christians already in Cameroon, as they seek to follow Jesus despite the chaos of ongoing conflict. 

What changed this year?

Cameroon continues to be a difficult place for Christians across the board. The intensity of violence has endured at an extreme level. Pressure in community life and church life is high, and Christians in the Far North region—and neighboring regions at risk of Islamic militant attacks—are under constant threat of violence. Boko Haram and ISWAP target Christians and Christian communities, sweeping through villages, destroying homes and churches, kidnapping believers and leaving bodies behind. 

The threat of extremism remains. Converts from Islam face persecution. And rampant political corruption means Christians risk discrimination and abuse if they speak out about their convictions. 

How can I pray?

  • Pray for the violence—especially in the Far North region—to end. Ask God to bring about a peace only He can create.
  • Ask God to help the victims of violence find comfort and restoration. Pray they would know God is a healing Father who walks alongside them.
  • Pray that God would make the church in Cameroon a place of peace, hope and stability in a country with growing insecurity and violence.

More Christians need help than ever before.

As we close out 2023, the number of persecuted Christians is higher than ever. With greater persecution comes greater need. Your year-end gift will help – including providing more Bibles, more discipleship, and more relief aid.

Our year-end goal is $500,000 to help our persecuted family. Will you prayerfully give a gift today?

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