Congo DR (DRC)

How many Christians are there in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?  

An enormous 95% of the population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are Christians – but violent attacks against Christians continue.

What does persecution look like in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Persecution in DRC mostly takes the form of violent attacks. Although a very high percentage of the population are Christians, the Islamic extremist group Alliance for Democratic Forces (ADF) is responsible for the persecution of Christians in the east of the country, brutally attacking Christians and churches. In one district in eastern DRC, there are only four remaining Evangelical churches from 24 that were once active. While persecution is relatively low in other spheres of life, the particularly high levels of violence is why DRC is in the World Watch List top 50.

Converts both from Islam and from indigenous religions face pressure to take part in non-Christian religious activities and ceremonies. Christian leaders who advocate against corruption risk harassment and interference from the government.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Christians face violent persecution from Islamic militants who are particularly active in the eastern part of the country.

Meet Georgine

Georgine was widowed by Islamic extremists

"I am pleased to know that people are praying for me, for God to comfort me and my children.”

Georgine

What has changed compared to last year?

Violence against Christians remains very high and continues to be the main form of persecution in DRC. In 2021, the government announced a state of siege in the north-eastern provinces to curb the violence perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces—but attacks on communities and churches continued.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in DRC?

Open Doors works through local partners to support Christians in DRC through persecution survival and discipleship training, economic empowerment projects and trauma care.

How can you pray for Democratic Republic of the Congo?

• Pray that the government will seek real and lasting solutions to the deepening security crisis in DRC 
• Pray that pastors in the east of the country will receive courage to remain, wisdom in preparing the church for persecution, and compassion when ministering to the traumatized and displaced.
• Pray that God will strengthen the church through the training and trauma care programs run by Open Doors partners.