Christianity is the world's largest religion with about 2.382 billion adherents spread across continents, yet Christians remain the most persecuted religious group. Since the emergence of Christianity in the first century, Christians have been prime targets for persecution and this has continued even into the 21st century.
In Africa today, there are Islamic extremist groups like Boko Horam, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Al Shabbab, and many others that are set on eliminating Christianity and establishing Islam as the only religion. African countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Central African Republic, Somalia, and Eritrea are particular areas of concern as they have persons in government offices that tolerate or support the activities of these extremist groups.
Inhumane actions have been wantonly and continually executed against Christians in Africa for more than a decade and it continues to rise. Such actions include, but may not be limited to, the burning and bombing of churches, Christian-owned businesses, and homes, kidnapping, marginalization, rape, torture, and murder.
International Christian Concern (ICC) reported that several African countries are becoming the biggest killing grounds of Christians in the world due to attacks by groups like Boko Haram and Al Shabaab. Since 1900 Christianity has grown from only 9% to 57% with Islam only making up 29%. This appears to be a small percentage for Islam but this makes up 1/3 of the world's Muslim population. Although they have the minority there are various predominantly Muslim communities and countries across Africa, and it is from these locations that the most persecution of Christians happens. Muslims have immigrated into Africa seeking refuge and now years later have pushed the agenda of radical Islam. Christian farmers have had their land confiscated or destroyed taking away the livelihood of many families. Villagers are maimed, raped, and killed some militants lay eve ambush on travelers to kidnap, and sometimes, murder them in cold blood.
Worldwide wide there are roughly 100,000 Christians martyred for their faith every year. In countries like Sudan where the Muslim resign was systematically ostracizing and starving the Christians, as many as 500 deaths per day were taking place. The activities of these Islamic extremist sects have remained unchecked, and the perpetrators have been allowed to evade justice, thereby leading to greater impunity and continued violence against Christians.
Insurgency in Africa has become like cancer, spreading rapidly from state to state, country to country, and region to region. Government and international agencies should put in more effort to curb this menace that has become a threat to world peace. How can we combat this? We can do our part and pray for more Christians and missionaries to reach into these dark communities. Circumstances only change when God gets involved and Islam will only be put out when the Gospel is saturating these areas. Christians and Christianity thrive even in the face of persecution.