How are Christians persecuted in CAR?
- Lawlessness continues to spread across the Central African Republic (CAR) which increases risks faced by vulnerable communities, especially Christians. Extremist groups target believers and destroy churches, threatening outspoken church leaders. In the worst cases, some leaders are assassinated.
- Many believers have been forced into displacement because of violence and unrest. Muslim-background believers experience physical assault and isolation, often rejected by their families for following Jesus.
- Sexual violence plagues the lives of Christian women in CAR and many carry trauma of past assault.
- Church leaders are targeted by persecutors and falsely accused of espionage.
Why are Christians persecuted in CAR?
- Escalating conflict in Sudan risks spilling into CAR, heightening the pressure placed on Christians and fears of being attacked by Islamist extremist groups.
- In CAR, rebel groups war with governmental powers, worsening security across the nation. This leaves Christians especially vulnerable.
Who is particularly vulnerable in CAR?
- In the northern and eastern regions, Christians’ rights are frequently violated because of the hostility of armed groups in the areas.
- Women and girls are highly vulnerable to rape, abduction and trafficking. If made a victim of such acts, they face stigma and trauma and can be married off for their ‘protection’. Girls are at risk of kidnapping on the way to school which discourages education.
“Fear silenced our conversation.”
A Christian woman who was sexually abused by armed men
- A Christian woman shares her experience: “We were caught off guard when an armed man suddenly appeared in front of us, ordering us to stop. Fear silenced our conversation. Moments later, five more armed men emerged and surrounded us.”
What has changed in CAR in the past year?
- CAR has risen by five places on this year’s World Watch List because of complex issues internally and externally, contributing to its lack of stability. These include clashes throughout 2025 between extremist groups and government forces. Externally, pressures are increasing with ongoing conflict in neighbouring countries.
- Christians remain at heightened risk, caught between political chaos, militant violence and a deteriorating humanitarian landscape.
- In July 2025, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra declared his candidacy for a third term in the December 2025 presidential election. The announcement underscores growing concerns about the consolidation of power and the implications for democratic governance in CAR.
How can I help Christians in CAR?
Please continue to pray for believers in CAR. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those experiencing great persecution in the name of Jesus.
Open Doors partners support Christians in the Central African Republic through persecution survival training, integration of cross-cultural converts, youth empowerment through socio-economic opportunities, literacy and discipleship programmes, and psychosocial and justice programmes.
Lord, situations like the one that exists in the Central African Republic can seem so hopeless. And yet, we know You are a God who gives hope in every circumstance – even when we are tempted to despair. Be with your people in CAR; heal the broken-hearted, bind the wounds of those who suffer and care for them. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
