Faith
Mozambique Christians Suffer Deadly Jihadist Attacks
Faith Facts
- At least 20 Christians were killed in northern Mozambique as jihadist violence surged.
- More than 1,300 homes and two churches were destroyed in Napala village, displacing thousands.
- Mozambique ranks 37th on the Open Doors World Watch List for Christian persecution.
Mozambican believers are facing increased hardship as Islamist militants escalate attacks on Christian communities, burning homes and places of worship. The ongoing insurgency since 2017 has left thousands dead and over one million displaced, testing the faith and resolve of families holding fast to Christ.
After security forces retreated, locals found themselves vulnerable to further violence, and many fled their homes in fear. The government has imposed strict information controls, making it difficult for the suffering of Christians to reach the world.
“Everything got worse when the FDS tried to intervene without success. When they fled, they left everything worse for those people.”
The militants continue targeting Christian-majority regions, issuing threats and setting fire to churches and homes. Elderly believers, including four women, were among those brutally killed, underscoring the gravity of these attacks driven by radical Islamist ideology.
Open Doors reports that dozens of Christians have been martyred for their faith this year, while church leaders and their flocks remain under constant intimidation. Community leaders are deeply concerned as churches are burned, believers kidnapped, and the hope for safety feels distant.
Christian advocates warn that proposed laws may increase persecution by placing added burdens on churches not faced by other religious groups. Organizations are calling for prayer, perseverance, and global solidarity.
“The Church in Mozambique is enduring deep trauma. Many believers and leaders live with fear, intimidation and emotional exhaustion. Although there remains a genuine desire to serve Christ, fear continues to weaken the church’s public witness in many areas. But God’s working in these hotspot areas, in ways that are hard to explain.”
As these faithful endure unimaginable trials, Christians worldwide are urged to lift Mozambique in prayer and stand united in defense of religious freedom and hope.