34,035,000

Christian (56%)

19,184,000

Mozambique became independent of Portugal in 1975. A civil war ended in 1992 with a UN negotiated peace agreement between the then sole party, Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces. This was followed by steady economic and political progress, undermined by the return of tensions and violence between FRELIMO and RENAMO since 2012. Fighting erupted again in 2019 when FRELIMO remained in power after disputed election results.

Mozambique was added to the “grey list” of countries under increased monitoring by the intergovernmental Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June due to concerns about its anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing policies; the designation may inhibit the country’s ability to attract foreign investment and participate in international financial transactions.

Open Doors reports the presence of radical Islamists, particularly in the northern regions, has made life increasingly perilous for Christian communities. These extremists have unleashed a wave of violence, targeting Christian places of worship, abducting religious leaders and killing numerous Christians. Their activities are not isolated but are part of a broader ideological campaign to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law, making Christians a specific and vulnerable target.

The organization also flagged the influence if drug cartels as a concern for FORB. Mozambique has become a significant hub for the international drug trade, and this has given cartels a vested interest in controlling various parts of the country. Church youth workers, who often act as community leaders advocating for change, find themselves caught in a web of violence and intimidation. These criminal organizations view any form of organized social activity, including church activities, as a threat to their control over local communities.

Open Doors further states that official policies and practices restrict the freedom to worship and express religious beliefs openly. Churches face administrative hurdles, there are barriers to religious education, and public expressions of Christian faith often lead to scrutiny and sometimes even arrest.

IRFR stated in 2020: “Religious leaders continued to express concern that a draft law on religious practices, proposed in 2019 that was still pending in parliament at year’s end, could prevent religious groups that have fewer than 500 followers from registering with the Ministry of Justice. Leaders of small religious communities expressed concern that the registration requirement would prevent them from registering their organizations. According to a religious leader, the draft law would also require followers to have their identities attested by a notary, which would create an administrative barrier to religious practice.” This draft law is still under consideration.

Freedom House reports that the government responses to attacks by armed Islamists have involved closing mosques and detaining Muslim leaders.

Of additional concern is the government’s treatment of media reporting on the insurgency, or printing criticism against its handling of the situation. “The government is known to retaliate against critical journalists, including by cancelling public advertising contracts. Journalists and political commentators appearing on television programs have been the targets of attacks and kidnappings in recent years. Police frequently harass, assault, and detain journalists. In December 2023, João Chamusse, editor of Ponto por Ponto newspaper, was found dead outside his home his home in KaTembe, near Maputo. Chamusse, who had covered corruption and had criticized the government in commentary on TV Sucesso, had reportedly received death threats prior to his killing,” reports Freedom House.

1. Lift up church youth workers combating drug cartel influence. Pray for their protection and impact as they advocate for change in vulnerable communities.
2. Pray for those adhering to traditional African religions, many converting to Christianity. Ask for open hearts and smooth transitions as they embrace their new faith.
3. Thank God for Mozambique’s vibrant culture and its 31,693,000 people. Pray for peace and renewal to mend the nation’s northern conflicts and economic struggles.
4. Celebrate the faith of Mozambique’s Christian majority, thriving in southern and central regions. Ask for steadfastness to anchor communities amid rising violence.
5. Praise God for the Church’s bold efforts to share the Gospel despite threats. Pray for courage and opportunities to extend Christ’s hope across the nation.
6. Mozambique ranks 37th on the 2025 World Watch List, with persecution fueled by Islamic militancy and government restrictions. Pray for resilience for believers facing these dangers.
7. Lift up pastors and church leaders in Cabo Delgado, targeted by jihadists for abduction and killing. Ask for their safety, wisdom, and strength to guide their flocks.
8. Pray for Christian women and girls in northern regions, vulnerable to abduction, rape, and forced marriage by Islamic militants. Seek their protection and healing from trauma.
9. Support Christian men and boys, especially in Cabo Delgado, facing death and forced militia recruitment. Pray for their safety and provision for families stripped of livelihoods.
10. Ask for comfort for thousands of Christians displaced by jihadist attacks, fleeing raided villages. Pray for resources, safe refuge, and restoration for those in need.
11. Pray for youth entangled in violence and drug cartel influence. Ask the Church to mentor them with faith and purpose to resist extremist and criminal pressures.
12. Seek rebuilding for churches vandalized and burned by al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah militants. Pray for secure spaces where believers can worship and serve freely.
13. Uphold converts from Islam and traditional African religions, facing family rejection and attacks in the north. Pray for their safety and support to live out their faith.
14. Mozambique’s government under FRELIMO restricts religious expression and monitors churches. Pray for transparent leadership that upholds freedom of worship.
15. Pray for the Christians living with Muslims in northern provinces. Ask for mutual respect and peace, and that believers may share the Gospel with love.