Catholicism is growing rapidly in Africa. Despite this, the continent is witness to some of the most violent persecution of Christians anywhere in the world. As we approach the Season of Lent, Aid to the Church in Need discusses some of the work we are carrying out in Africa to help rebuild churches destroyed in attacks.

By Conn McNally

Niger

Many people across the world were shocked and horrified by the deadly attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in January 2015. What was less reported, was that there was a wave of attacks against Christians in various Islamic countries as a reaction to the satirical cartoons. The reaction was particularly strong in the West African country of Niger. In the capital of Niamey, 12 of the 14 churches were looted and burned down. In the second city of Zinder, the local Catholic parish was also attacked on 16th January 2015. Everything was looted and destroyed. This included the presbytery, the school, the convent for religious sisters, and of the course the parish church. It is a miracle that no was killed in the attack. Aid to the Church in Need is going to help build a new church and keep the ruins of the old church as a memorial to what happened.

Nigeria

Many people are aware of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria by Islamist groups such as Boko Harem. Attacks by Islamist groups and by the nomadic Muslim Fulani people have been directed particularly at Christians in the norther and central parts of Nigeria. These areas are majority Muslim. For example, in the Bauchi region only 3% of the population is Catholic. In Christmas period of 2018 alone, six churches were attacked and destroyed in the Diocese of Bauchi. One of these churches, St. Peter's Church in Kagadama, still stands in ruins. The Bishop of Bauchi, Hilary Nanman Dachelem C.M.F., has turned to Aid to the Church in Need for help. Aid to the Church in Need has pledged to help rebuild St. Peter’s Church.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic has been in crisis since 2013. The militia group Séléka has seized power in that year. Their leader had then disbanded the group, but some of the fighters have refused to give up their arms and have caused chaos. Many of these fighters are Muslim mercenaries from neighbouring countries, and they have been known to specifically target Christians. On 15th November 2018, one of these groups attacked a camp for displaced people on the grounds of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Alindao. UN troops fled as soon as the attack began. Over 100 people were killed, and the cathedral was looted and destroyed. Aid to the Church in Need has pledged to support the efforts to rebuild the cathedral.