Religious persecution affects Christian communities in Mali and Nigeria

Christian communities in parts of Africa face increasing pressure and violence due to religious persecution. In Mali, jihadist groups operating in rural central and southern regions have established alternative governance by filling power vacuums. These groups use ‘non-aggression pacts’ to settle in villages, subsequently enforcing the ‘Djizja’ tax—a historical levy on non-Muslims. Reports indicate that many villages, particularly those with Christian majorities, comply with these taxes to avoid war, forced conversion, or displacement.

In Nigeria, Christians face daily threats of violence, including attacks on villages, the destruction of churches, and loss of life. Despite the ongoing risk of persecution and the displacement of families, many believers continue to practice their faith. Personal accounts from the region highlight a pattern of property loss and community disruption caused by targeted religious violence.