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The already fragile situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) continues to worsen, with conflict in neighbouring Sudan adding external pressure. Escalating violence in Sudan risks spilling into CAR, intensifying insecurity for vulnerable populations – especially Christians.
Internally, the collapse of state authority has fostered widespread lawlessness. Armed groups, corrupt officials and jihadist elements exploit this vacuum, often targeting Christians. Churches have been looted or destroyed, and outspoken Christian leaders face threats, detention or assassination. Women and youth are particularly exposed to exploitation and abuse.
Religious and ethnic violence by armed factions has forced thousands of Christians into displacement. Many live in overcrowded camps with little security or aid. In northern and remote regions, Muslim-background converts to Christianity face physical assault, forced isolation and rejection by their families. These abuses go largely unpunished, reinforcing fear and a sense of helplessness. In CAR, Christian communities increasingly find themselves without protection – trapped between state failure and militant hostility.
Rights violations against Christians are most severe in the northern and eastern regions of the Central African Republic, where armed groups hostile to Christianity exert significant control. Christians of all denominations can be targeted by militants and extremist groups. Converts from Islam, living in Muslim-majority areas, face additional pressure from family and community.
"We were caught off guard when an armed man suddenly appeared in front of us, ordering us to stop. Fear silenced our conversation. Moments later, five more armed men emerged and surrounded us. One of them, who seemed to be the leader, commanded us to drop our belongings and lie down. There were six of us and six of them. Each of us was raped."
Sexual abuse survivor in CAR, April 2025
Christians in CAR face a harsh reality. Though the country’s 2016 Constitution guarantees religious freedom and Christian-Muslim relations are generally peaceful, Christians face violence from multiple military groups. Converts from Islam often risk social exclusion or violence. In Muslim-majority areas, attacks on churches and Christian symbols have been reported.
By 2025, continued clashes between government forces and rebel groups resulted in casualties and widespread displacement. There are increasing reports of Sudanese-backed rebel involvement, adding regional dimensions to the conflict. CAR now finds itself surrounded by unstable neighbours, making its internal crises more complex. Christians – especially converts and those in contested areas – remain at heightened risk. They are caught between political chaos, militant violence and a deteriorating humanitarian landscape. This instability contributed to CAR’s rise of five positions on this year’s World Watch List.
On 26 July 2025, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra officially declared his candidacy for a third term in the December 2025 presidential election. This followed a constitutional referendum in 2023 that eliminated term limits. The announcement underscores growing concern about the consolidation of power and the implications for democratic governance in CAR.
Through local partners and churches, Open Doors supports Christians in CAR through persecution-preparedness training and integration of cross-cultural converts. Open Doors also offers programmes in literacy, discipleship, psychosocial support and justice, and empowers youth through socio-economic opportunities.
Lord, situations like the one that exists in CAR can seem so hopeless. And yet, we know You are a God who gives hope in every circumstance – even when we are tempted to despair. Be with Your people in CAR; heal the brokenhearted; bind the wounds of those who suffer and care for them. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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