Central Africa
Central African Republic
Central African Republic is a landlocked country located in the centre of Africa that is well supplied with waterways. Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy.
Overview
Population: 5,119,000
Main Religion: Christianity
Christians: 3,807,000
Data source: Todd M. Johnson and Gina A. Zurlo, eds. , World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, accessed March 2023)
Examples of our work
Training of trauma care workers to offer psychosocial support to those targeted with violence because of their faith in Jesus.
Pray
- Pray for an end to the conflict in Central African Republic that has lasted more than a decade. Pray that God would miraculously bring about a peaceful resolution to the constant fighting and enable the government to establish its authority throughout the country.
- Ask God to preserve His people who risk violence to follow Him, particularly in areas where they are targets of extremists. Pray for protection.
- Pray that God would provide—physically, spiritually and emotionally—for Christians in CAR who struggle to make ends meet, endure violence and live in political chaos.
- Pray for wisdom for the government to rule with justice and transparency.
Introduction
Central African Republic is a landlocked country located in the centre of Africa. The capital city of Bangui sprawls on the banks of the Ubangi River in years past were declared one of the most agreeable cities in equatorial Africa. The country is well supplied with waterways. Agriculture is the largest sector and the basis of the Central African economy, contributing half of the gross domestic product and occupying nearly four-fifths of the workforce; diamonds and timber also contribute to the economy.
Politics
CAR is a Presidential Republic led currently (2024) by Faustin-Archange Touadera. Changes in government have occurred in recent years by three methods: violence, negotiations, and elections.
State of religious freedom
The Central African Republic (CAR) has seen constant conflict since 2013—and the persecution situation has changed very little in that period. Many of the factions have been credibly accused of human rights violations. Some of the anti-government militias target the Christian community, and in the many regions these rebel groups control, believers risk abduction, murder, sexual violence and other horrific treatment. Militias also force believers into their ranks, leaving devastated families and communities.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Christians forced to live in camps and lose their homes and livelihoods. In addition to the insecurity and violence, converts from Islam also face persecution (ostracized, pressured and even attacked) from their immediate family members and local community. Christians risk discrimination in the workplace, forced marriage, and having their children taken away. The threat is very real for Christians across CAR.
