Mozambique | June 26, 2024
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The rise of Islamist extremism in the north of the country, especially in regions such as Cabo Delgado, has had a devastating impact on the lives of believers. Churches have been burned down, pastors abducted and many killed. The objective of these groups is to establish a strict Islamic state, and Christians are often targeted as symbols of resistance to this extremist ideology. In addition, Christians often caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict between government forces and jihadist groups, making them even more vulnerable to violence and displacement.
Mozambique has also become a major hub for drug trafficking, with the presence of cartels contributing to a climate of lawlessness and violence, which indirectly affects the Christian community. Church youth workers are particularly at risk, as they are often seen as threats to the cartels for speaking out against these gangs and for seeking to protect potential ‘recruits’.
Converts from Islam or African traditional religions are vulnerable to persecution from within their own families. This can include divorce, forced marriage, loss of custody of children and disinheritance. And in the eastern Muslim-majority regions, Christian women and girls are required to comply with the Islamic dress code in all Muslim schools and communal areas.
The persecution of Christians is severest in the northern Cabo Delgado province due to violent attacks by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group. Converts from Islam face the most persecution from their families and communities, while church youth leaders are at particular risk from violent drug traffickers.
In Mozambique, we Christians are targets of much persecution, many believers are raped, killed, several churches and houses destroyed.
Pastor Mario, church leader in Mozambique
Mozambique rose by two positions on this year's World Watch List. Islamist militants continued their hate campaign against Christians, which intensified after 11 Christians were executed in September 2023. In 2024, extremists launched a campaign targeting Christians called Kill Them Wherever You Find Them. Additionally, the fight against Islamist militants in Cabo Delgado was weakened after a multi-national peacekeeping mission withdrew their troops.
Open Doors supports persecuted Christians in northern Mozambique by providing emergency aid, persecution survival training and economic empowerment projects.
Heavenly Father, we pray for an end to the horrific violence in Mozambique and for Your peace to reign. Draw near to Christians living in fear, or with injuries and trauma; ‘heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds’ (Psalm 147:3). May the recent elections help bring stability and peace to the nation and help the newly elected government to combat the Islamist insurgency. Strengthen the church to continue to be salt and light, that many more in Mozambique – especially extremists – will encounter Your love, Amen.
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