Christians risk extreme and violent attacks from Islamic extremist groups.
bottom“They came to exterminate us, but our faith can't diminish. Those who died, died; those who lived, live. God fights for us. We cannot reduce our faith but take a step forward. God helps us…we can't leave His Word because of wounds.”
– Neema*
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially in the eastern region, Christians face severe persecution and violence, frequently from Islamist extremists the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Allied with the Islamic State group, the ADF abduct and kill Christians and attack churches, leading to widespread terror, insecurity, and displacement.
The M23 rebel group, reportedly supported by Rwanda, also targets Christian civilians, making the situation even worse. Converts from Islam and Indigenous religions face pressure from their families to return to their old faiths. Catholic church leaders who speak out for fair elections risk harassment. This mix of threats from extremist groups, family pressures, and political interference creates a dangerous and fearful environment for Christians in Eastern Congo.
Women living in areas controlled by Islamic extremist groups like Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) can face violent persecution for their faith. These women and girls are vulnerable to abduction, rape, trafficking, sexual slavery, and forced marriage to extremist fighters.
Church leaders who speak out against violence are particularly susceptible to brutal and extreme attacks. If captured, they could face maiming, abduction, forced labour, sexual mutilation, and death.
– For violence in the eastern part of the DRC, that God’s hurting people know He is near.
– For displaced followers of Jesus to find stability and hope.
– For peace and for extremists to be converted like Saul who became the Apostle Paul.
Open Doors works through local partners to support Christians in the DRC through persecution survival training, economic empowerment projects, and trauma care.
