Christians in CAR navigate a treacherous landscape. Though the 2016 Constitution guarantees religious freedom and Christian-Muslim relations are generally peaceful, Christians face violence from both ex- Séléka fighters and anti-Balaka groups. Converts from Islam, often face social exclusion or violence. In Muslim-majority areas, attacks on churches and Christian symbols have been reported. Read these ten facts about the experiences of Christian believers in the country.
1.
CAR currently finds itself surrounded by unstable neighbours, making its internal crises more complex. Christians—especially converts and those in contested areas—remain at heightened risk, caught between political chaos, militant violence, and a deteriorating humanitarian landscape.
2
Armed groups hostile to Christianity exert significant control in the northern and eastern regions. In several cases, villages with known Christian populations have been targeted and looted. The eastern border regions near Sudan are particularly volatile due to cross-border infiltration by jihadist elements, increasing the threat to Christian communities. The absence of state security, combined with ethnic and religious tensions, creates an environment where Christians are vulnerable to ongoing persecution, with little recourse to justice or protection.
3
The Roman Catholic Church is the largest denomination, operating many churches, schools, and clinics. During and after the Séléka coup, many Catholic facilities were looted. Known for advocating peace and sheltering civilians, both Muslim and Christian, the Church has often been targeted for attack as a result. Evangelical and Pentecostal groups have suffered attacks from ex-Séléka militants. Despite the risks, these communities are growing rapidly, attracting many new adherents in recent years.
4
Possessing Christian materials—such as a Bible or religious pamphlet—can be life-threatening. Reports indicate that individuals have been beaten or killed on the spot for engaging in Christian worship, carrying religious symbols, or attending church meetings. Armed groups and their supporters monitor Christian households, making it dangerous to host gatherings or speak openly about faith.
5
Converts from Islam face strong family and societal pressure to renounce their faith. They rarely worship in public due to fear of violent retaliation, especially in Muslim-majority northern regions. Many converts are forced to practice their faith in secret, avoiding even small prayer gatherings for fear of exposure. Christian converts also often face the breakdown of family ties. When one spouse converts, pressure is placed on the other to seek divorce—especially when the converting partner is a woman.
6
Criminal networks and systemic corruption contribute significantly to the persecution of Christians. Armed groups acting as criminal enterprises routinely loot churches, extort congregations, and threaten pastors. In urban areas like Bangui, both registered and informal churches are pressured to pay protection fees or risk violence. Despite claims by some groups to defend religious interests, their actions reveal opportunistic motives. Impunity is widespread, and Christians are frequently among the most vulnerable to abuse.
7
Muslim minorities have also been targeted. According to the U.S. State Department, government forces and Wagner Group operatives have arbitrarily detained and mistreated Muslims, including Imams and Fulani pastoralists. In response, local Muslim communities have staged protests. Though not the primary targets of the conflict, small religious minorities face localised hostility and insecurity in areas where tensions remain high.
8
The state does not officially monitor churches, however armed groups frequently disrupt Christian worship. Services have been raided, buildings burned, and pastors have been attacked. Pastors are especially targeted – falsely accused of espionage, attacked during services, kidnapped, or killed.
9
Freedom for Christians to move across regions is restricted due to roadblocks and checkpoints controlled by militias. Pastors traveling between congregations face kidnapping or murder. Armed groups act as de facto authorities in many areas, displacing thousands of Christians. These groups use intimidation, extortion, and targeted violence to suppress Christian presence.
10
Christian-owned shops are sometimes overtaxed or looted, driving families into poverty. Converts are often excluded from accessing basic services, including healthcare, food aid or educational opportunities. Discrimination continues in the national military, where Christians are marginalised.
