Religious Persecution Against Christians In Sub Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa has more Christians than in any other continent. Over 600 million Africans identify as Christians. However, it is also currently the epicenter of religious persecution against Christians. The latest report by Open Doors International found that 1 in 5 Christians in Africa live in nations with a high level of persecution or discrimination.
The report found that the most common form of persecution against Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa is violence. In Nigeria, for example, militants from the Fulani and groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) raid Christian communities to kill, maim, rape, and kidnap for sexual slavery. The violence has spilled over into more Southern regions in the country. The government denies that this is religious persecution so the violence is carrying on unabated.
The growing Islamist presence in Sub-Saharan Africa is a leading cause of religious persecution in the continent. Countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Central African Republic, and Mozambique are all in the top 50 worst countries for Christians in the world. In fact, 19 of the top 50 countries with the worst persecution against Christians are in Africa. In these countries, Christian communities are often targeted by Islamist militants, who see them as infidels. As these groups gain power, they are increasingly restricting the ability of Christians to practice their faith freely.
Other forms of persecution against Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa include:
- Restrictions on religious freedom. In some countries, Christians are not allowed to build churches or schools, or to hold public worship services.
- Discrimination in employment and education. Christians are often denied jobs or admission to schools because of their faith.
- Social ostracism. Christians who are open about their faith may be shunned by their families and communities.
The right to freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, and it is essential that this right be protected in Sub-Saharan Africa. The international community needs to take action to condemn the violence against Christians in this region and to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that:
“Everyone had the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes freedom to change one's religion or belief, and freedom to manifest one's religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance, whether alone or in a community with others, in public or in private.”
It is important that we all work towards promoting religious tolerance and understanding in Sub-Saharan Africa. We must take steps to help to create a more just and peaceful world for all people, regardless of their religion.
