Christian persecution in Mozambique

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MOZAMBIQUE

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MOZAMBIQUE

About Christian Persecution in Mozambique

Mozambique is a secular state with a robust constitution that guarantees freedom of worship. Relations between Christians and Muslims were largely peaceful until the arrival of the ISIS-affiliated Islamist group al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah (ASJ), also known as ISIS-Mozambique (IS0M), in 2017. (This organization is also called al Shabaab, although there is no connection with Somali organization of the same name.) They lost no time in mounting vicious attacks on persecuted Christians (as well as Muslims), particularly in the northeast corner of the country, Cabo Delgado province. The violence has been atrocious, with entire villages razed, people beheaded and women raped. The death toll is currently at over 3,000 dead, with a million displaced. In 2021, the international community responded. Peacekeeping troops were sent in, but violence remains.

Economics is a factor in Christian persecution, with the development of vast offshore gas reserves delayed by the fighting, and the insurgents wishing to split off the province to gain the income for themselves. The Islamist insurgents are not the only source of persecution, however, since additional pressures come from local communities.

In the northern areas in particular, Christian girls are vulnerable to being kidnapped and forced to marry Muslim men. According to some reports, 20% of girls aged 13-17 are subjected to this. The church is on the front line in this country, with its unique ability to distribute aid fairly and effectively, but this makes it a continual target, and this will not change anytime soon.

Leadership:
President Daniel Chapo
Government:
Presidential republic
Population
33.3 M
Christian pop.
18.6 M

“Every time I close my eyes, I see the rapes of my mother and sisters. My father is dead. I just pray for the ability to have a sweet dream. Lord, please send me a good dream.”

FIFTEEN-YEAR OLD CHRISTIAN BOY IN REFUGEE CAMP

History of Christianity

It was the Portuguese in search of trade that brought Christianity to Mozambique in the 17th century when missionary priests followed in the wake of slave traders. The colonial rulers kept out Christian missionaries from other churches, but today, around over half the population are Christians.

The largest Christian groups are Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians (33% of the population), with Roman Catholics at 27%. Muslims constitute around 19% of the population, but until recently, relations between the two communities were largely peaceful.
History of Christianity

About Christian Persecution in Mozambique

Mozambique is a secular state with a robust constitution that guarantees freedom of worship. Relations between Christians and Muslims were largely peaceful until the arrival of the ISIS-affiliated Islamist group al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah (ASJ), also known as ISIS-Mozambique (IS0M), in 2017. (This organization is also called al Shabaab, although there is no connection with Somali organization of the same name.) They lost no time in mounting vicious attacks on persecuted Christians (as well as Muslims), particularly in the northeast corner of the country, Cabo Delgado province. The violence has been atrocious, with entire villages razed, people beheaded and women raped. The death toll is currently at over 3,000 dead, with a million displaced. In 2021, the international community responded. Peacekeeping troops were sent in, but violence remains.

Economics is a factor in Christian persecution, with the development of vast offshore gas reserves delayed by the fighting, and the insurgents wishing to split off the province to gain the income for themselves. The Islamist insurgents are not the only source of persecution, however, since additional pressures come from local communities.

In the northern areas in particular, Christian girls are vulnerable to being kidnapped and forced to marry Muslim men. According to some reports, 20% of girls aged 13-17 are subjected to this. The church is on the front line in this country, with its unique ability to distribute aid fairly and effectively, but this makes it a continual target, and this will not change anytime soon.