37Mozambique

The rise of Islamist extremism in the north of the country, especially in regions such as Cabo Delgado, has had a devastating impact on the lives of believers. Churches have been burned down, pastors abducted and many killed. The objective of these groups is to establish a strict Islamic state, and Christians are often targeted as symbols of resistance to this extremist ideology. In addition, Christians are often caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict between government forces and jihadist groups, making them even more vulnerable to violence and displacement.

Mozambique has also become a major hub for drug trafficking, with the presence of cartels contributing to a climate of lawlessness and violence, which indirectly affects the Christian community. Church youth workers are particularly at risk, as they’re often seen as threats to the cartels for speaking out against these gangs and for seeking to protect potential “recruits”.

Converts from Islam or African traditional religions are vulnerable to persecution from within their own families. This can include divorce, forced marriage, loss of custody of children and disinheritance. And in the eastern Muslim-majority regions, Christian women and girls are required to comply with the Islamic dress code in all Muslim schools and communal areas.

Meet Pastor Mario

“In Mozambique, we Christians are targets of much persecution, many believers are raped, killed, several churches and houses destroyed.”

Pastor Mario (name changed), a church leader in Mozambique.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors supports persecuted Christians in northern Mozambique by providing emergency aid, persecution survival training, and economic empowerment projects.