It’s easy to take the freedom to worship for granted until we read and listen to the news stories coming out of parts of Africa.
In 2026, according to Open Doors’ World Watch List, several countries on the continent continue to rank among the hardest places in the world for Christians to follow Jesus. Here’s a closer look at the ten most affected African countries so far this year:
1. Somalia
At the very top of the list sits Somalia. In a country where being Somali is often seen as synonymous with being Muslim, openly following Jesus can feel like signing your own death warrant. Militant groups like Al-Shabaab enforce a strict version of Islam, forcing many believers to keep their faith completely hidden—even from their own families. 
2. Sudan
Sudan has continuously experienced political shifts in recent years. The ongoing conflict has torn communities apart, and Christians, especially those living in rural areas, often face discrimination and targeted violence. In the chaos of civil war, many believers find themselves caught in the crossfire, wondering whether tomorrow will bring safety.
3. Eritrea
Eritrea is known as one of the most closed and controlling nations when it comes to faith. Only a handful of government-approved churches are allowed to operate; anything else risks arrest, long imprisonment, or worse. For many Eritrean Christians, gathering to pray or sing hymns has become an act of quiet defiance that could cost them their lives if they are caught.
4. Nigeria
Nigeria’s story is especially heartbreaking because it holds Africa’s largest Christian population. In the north and in vulnerable farming communities, groups like Boko Haram continue to unleash violence on Christians.
Thousands of Christians lost their lives because of their faith in the past year alone. While some regions enjoy relative freedom, entire families in other areas live with the daily terror of attacks that can come at any moment without warning.
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5. Libya
After years of turmoil since the fall of Gaddafi, Libya remains unstable. Migrant Christians and those who have converted from Islam are particularly exposed with weak protection from authorities, many face abuse, exploitation, and the constant threat of being discovered.
6. Mali
In northern Mali, extremist groups have even carved out areas for themselves. Christians who are already a minority now live under intense pressure. The fear of sudden raids or forced conversions hangs over many communities.
7. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has seen a heartbreaking increase in the attacks by armed militants. Both Christians and Muslims suffer, but churches and Christian villages have been deliberately targeted the most.
8. Algeria
Algeria enforces laws that tightly restrict non-Muslim religious activities. While outright violence may be less frequent than in other countries on this list, converts and small Christian communities face legal hurdles, surveillance, and strong social disapproval. The pressure to stay silent or return to Islam definitely feels suffocating for many.
9. Mauritania
In Mauritania, leaving Islam for Christianity is not just frowned upon. It is illegal and can carry severe punishment. Most believers practise their faith in secret, knowing that discovery could mean losing everything: family, freedom, or even their lives.
10. Central African Republic
Years of conflict between different armed factions have left the Central African Republic deeply wounded. In the midst of this instability, Christians in certain regions face additional threats because of their faith. Many churches have been damaged or destroyed.
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