Cameroon

What does persecution look like in Cameroon?

Christians in Cameroon face pressure on multiple fronts. The most obvious one is violence and attack in regions of the country with a significant population of Muslim extremists. This is especially the case in the Far North region. Here, Islamic militants – specifically Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) – regularly attack, trying to carve out a caliphate in Cameroon's most volatile region. Christians who live in these areas are targets for violence, including abduction and murder. Converts from Islam are forced to practice their faith in secret, and owning Bibles or Christian books can be extremely dangerous. The violence has forced many churches to close, leaving some believers without a place of worship.

At the same time, all Cameroonians in affected areas suffer in the ongoing conflict between separatists and the nation's government. This violence has created a massive humanitarian crisis. Christians caught in the middle have been accused by both sides of ‘harbouring the enemy’, and their churches and property destroyed. 

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

The most vulnerable place for Christians is the Far North region of Cameroon, where attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP are unrelenting. Additionally, converts from Islam in these regions are most at risk for pressure from family and community members. 

Meet 'Fadi Zara'

There is peace. But we have some problems. Like farming—we don’t have farms to work in. Even my husband, it’s very difficult for him. Even finding food is very difficult for me.

Fadi Zara, a believer from northern Cameroon who has endured multiple attacks from Boko Haram

What has changed this year?

This year, although little changed in Cameroon, the pressure has increased. Boko Haram have continued to attack, and the threats from Islamic extremism have forced believers to live in fear. Additionally, this year the government has tried to stifle dissent and opposition groups – a worrying development in a country already wracked by intra-country violence. The corruption in Cameroon's government and institutions has made it difficult for Christians to depend on the rule of law for relief. 

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Cameroon?

Open Doors works through local partners to strengthen persecuted Christians in Cameroon by providing emergency relief aid, trauma care, economic empowerment projects and spiritual care for new believers.

How can you pray for Cameroon?

• Pray for Christians who have endured unspeakable violence—one incident after the other. Ask God to heal their wounds.
• In the Far North region of Cameroon, many Christians have experienced repeated attacks. Pray that God will be with these hurting believers in a powerful way.
• Despite the ongoing attacks on mostly Christian communities, people are coming to faith in Jesus. Pray for their faith to grow strong and that they will be well discipled