Niger

How are Christians persecuted in Niger?

• The lives of believers in Niger are threatened by jihadist groups – like so-called Islamic State and Al-Qaeda – which enforce Islamic law and punish those who are considered transgressors.

• “When the huts started burning, people came out and started running, and that is when the jihadists started shooting at the men.” – Hakuri*, a widow in Niger, shares her memory of a brutal extremist attack.
• Communities are attacked and church buildings destroyed by extremist groups, and many have lost their lives because of such violence.
• Converts from Islam must worship in secret for fear of abduction, being targeted by militants.
• Women are vulnerable to sexual abuse, including rape. Many families often do not report such instances for fear of the repercussions on the victim’s marriage prospects, leading to silencing and cycles of injustice.
• In other cases, female converts from Islam can be denied custody of their children, forced into marriage with a Muslim man and raped.

Why are Christians persecuted in Niger?

• The coup in 2023 has created a ripple effect of ever-increasing instability in Niger, a country whose fragility is already a present issue. This insecurity has emboldened Islamist militants. Many operate without governmental restraint in lots of regions of Niger.
• The country borders Mali and Burkina Faso, granting extremist groups easier movement and acquisition of territory, thus strengthening their power.

Who is particularly vulnerable in Niger?

• Rural areas pose the greatest dangers for communities because of their exposure to extremist attacks.
• Converts from Islam are, by far, the most likely to face persecution because of their perceived betrayal of their Muslim origins and national tradition.
• Due to the threat of attacks, church leaders are sometimes forced to flee their home for a safer environment, leaving communities without leadership and weakened.

What has changed in Niger in the past year?

• Niger has risen by two spots on the World Watch List. However, the persecution score has not changed in the past year.
• Thousands have been displaced because of violence perpetrated by militants, contributing to the growing crisis of displaced Christians in sub-Saharan Africa.

How can I help Christians in Niger?

Please continue praying for believers in Niger. Your prayers make a huge difference for those experiencing persecution in Jesus’s name.

Open Doors works through local churches in Niger to provide economic empowerment, persecution survival training, cross-cultural ministry and discipleship.

*Name changed for security reasons