According to the latest World Watch List by Open Doors, Africa remains a challenging region for Christians facing persecution. In 2024, the list identifies the 10 most dangerous African countries for Christians. These rankings are based on comprehensive research, including interviews and data analysis, and are verified by external experts on religious freedom.
More than 365 million Christians worldwide experience severe persecution and discrimination for their faith in Jesus, representing 1 in 7 Christians globally. The forms of persecution vary, from social rejection and isolation to being denied essential services like water, food, and health care. In the worst cases, Christians endure violence, imprisonment, and even death.
The World Watch List, produced annually by Open Doors for over 30 years, ranks the top 50 countries where being a Christian is most difficult. It assesses the levels of pressure and violence Christians experience in both public and private spheres. The list is widely recognized as the most authoritative of its kind, offering a detailed and transparent view of Christian persecution around the world.
Christian persecution is defined as any form of hostility or discrimination directed at individuals because of their faith in Christ. This includes not only acts of violence but also verbal abuse, exclusion, and other forms of pressure.
Here are the 10 most dangerous African countries to be a Christian in 2024:
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somalia | 93 |
| 2 | Libya | 91 |
| 3 | Eritrea | 89 |
| 4 | Nigeria | 88 |
| 5 | Sudan | 87 |
| 6 | Mali | 79 |
| 7 | Algeria | 79 |
| 8 | Burkina Faso | 75 |
| 9 | Mauritania | 72 |
| 10 | Morocco | 71 |
These countries represent the harshest environments for Christians, where faith is often met with severe hostility and danger.