Due to lawlessness and extremism, there is no safe part of Libya for believers.
bottomIt's too dangerous for any Libyan believer to share a quote.
In Libya, following Jesus is a huge risk for anyone. Christian converts from Islam face violent pressure from their families and communities to renounce their faith.
Foreign Christians, especially those from Sub-Saharan Africa, are targeted by Islamic extremists and criminal groups. These groups kidnap and sometimes brutally kill Christians. Sub-Saharan Christians also face harassment and threats from radical Muslims.
Christians who openly express their faith or try to share it with others risk arrest and violent opposition. The lack of a central government to enforce law and order makes the situation even more dangerous.
Shockwaves of a major incident in March 2023 that saw the arrest of several Libyan Christians and some expatriate Christians, has forced the tiny Christian community to become extremely vigilant. The country’s East-West divide is still ongoing, and extremist groups have become further integrated into controlling government forces. Libya remains a deeply dangerous and unstable place for followers of Jesus.
Christians in Libya are at risk everywhere but especially in areas with active radical Islamist groups. The region around the city of Sirte is notorious for the presence of such groups. Those linked to the now-defunct Islamic Dawn Coalition control areas around the capital city, Tripoli, and parts of the city itself.
Migrant Christians trying to reach Europe often end up in overcrowded detention centres if arrested. Some never make it, as they are illegally traded to criminals or human traffickers.
– The tension dividing Libya will not further endanger the lives of believers.
– Ask God to protect Christian migrant workers at risk from extremist groups.
– For God to provide believers with a community so they can grow in their faith.
Open Doors works with local partners and churches in North Africa to provide leadership and discipleship training, livelihood support, legal aid, trauma counselling, Bibles, and pastoral care.
