How are Christians persecuted in Chad?
- Persecution takes a variety of forms in Chad. Believers face daily pressure, placed under surveillance and often harassed for their faith by those in their community.
- Christians are also targeted by Islamist extremists like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), resulting in kidnappings, the destruction of churches and property and the displacement of entire communities.
- Threats and beatings are both common experiences for believers in Muslim-majority regions, and even those who worship in private can be found out and punished.
Why are Christians persecuted in Chad?
- Increasing instability across the country is taken advantage of by extremist groups as well as hard-line Muslims, despite Chad being constitutionally secular.
- Insufficient protection by the government of certain areas renders Christian communities more vulnerable to attack.
- The activity of Islamist extremist groups also worsens the polarisation of religious minorities, making Christians even more of a target.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Chad?
- Believers who have a Muslim background are especially liable to harassment and assault from neighbours and family. Their faith must be kept secret, their very life at risk.
- Women and girls fall victim to kidnapping, rape and forced marriage by Islamic militants, especially in rural areas and displacement camps. House arrest and the loss of child custody also threaten the livelihoods of many women.
- As the breadwinners of the family, men are often targeted by extremist groups in order to cripple families, using abduction, forced conversion and recruitment as tactics.
What has changed in Chad in the past year?
- Chad has risen one place on the World Watch List. Its political environment remains highly unstable and corrupt, restricting the freedoms of believers to meet and worship.
- In June 2025, several street evangelists were arrested and falsely accused of spying. Churches are under continual surveillance and their ability to register and establish themselves legally is increasingly difficult.
- In the south west, tensions have mounted and 2025 saw multiple attacks and conflicts between Christian and Muslim communities.
How can I help Christians in Chad?
Please keep praying for our brothers and sisters in Chad under pressure for their faith. Your support enables them to persevere, knowing that their church family stands with them.
Open Doors works through local churches in Chad to offer persecution survival training, economic empowerment programmes and other support to help Christians understand persecution and remain resilient.
Dear Lord, we pray with our brothers and sister in Chad who endure violence and severe pressure because of their faith in You. We ask You to sustain them, be with them and give them the joy of your salvation. Bring them refreshment. Help converts find community. Please, bring peace and stability to this country so that Your people could worship you without fear. In Jesus’ name, amen.
