Cameroon
Overview
Boko Haram has been regrouping in Nigeria, and increasing attacks there have correlated with increasing attacks in Cameroon. Boko Haram’s previous incursions into Cameroon were not well organized, but recent, organized attacks have specifically targeted churches and Christian activity. In a typical attack, Christians are killed or displaced, churches are burned and homes are destroyed. Several Christian villages have been abandoned completely after recurring attacks. From January 2018 to November 2019, seven predominantly Christian villages were attacked in one northern region. The attackers killed 10 people and kidnapped 7 others, while burning 575 houses, 7 churches, 2 schools and 1 evangelical hospital.
Major Religions
Cameroon is a majority Christian country, including 52 percent Christians and 24 percent Muslims.
Persecutor
The main persecutor is the Boko Haram Islamist terrorist group.
What it Means to Follow Christ
Most of Cameroon has a thriving Christian presence and many churches. But Christians living along the northern Nigerian border have experienced repeated, brutal attacks by Boko Haram. In these villages 50 to 80 miles from the border, men, women, and children are attacked simply for being known as Christians.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are generally available, but distributing them in the north is challenging because of security issues. Many people cannot afford a Bible and would prefer the Scriptures in a local language rather than French or English. Bible translation ministries have done great work translating the Bible into local languages, such as the local Fulani dialect, in both Roman and Arabic script.
VOM Work
VOM is providing relief and trauma-healing workshops for displaced Christians in northern Cameroon who have fled their villages due to attacks by Boko Haram. VOM also supports pastors and evangelists who are ministering in areas targeted by Boko Haram.