Pray for Cameroon

Cameroon is a mosaic of cultures, languages, people, and scenery. The diverse terrain includes beaches, jungles, mountains, and dry plains. Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in Central Africa, and one of Africa’s most active volcanoes. Oil and cocoa contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. Cattle-raising and farming are the main occupations in the North, and around half the population works in agriculture. Cameroon was a German colony that was divided into British and French zones after World War I, and French Cameroon fought for and gained its independence from France in 1960. In 1961, southern British Cameroons voted to join French Cameroon, while the Northern British Cameroons voted to join Nigeria. Although united, French Cameroon and southern British Cameroon are still culturally and linguistically distinct today.

Cameroon has one of the highest corruption rates in the world. Civil liberties and political rights are severely restricted. The current president has been accused of rigging the last several elections. Freedom of the press, expression, and assembly are tightly controlled, and the citizens do not have equal protection under the law. The nation is also heavily affected by terrorism. Corruption and terrorism reduce economic output, and nearly a third of the population lives in poverty. Life expectancy is about 61 years, and over 60 percent of the population is under the age of 25. The northern region is especially vulnerable to food insecurity because of corruption, high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and natural disasters. Division and conflict plague the nation. The formerly British region feels marginalized, and what began as peaceful protests has escalated into thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of people displaced. Women also face injustice, and domestic abuse and sexual violence are common.

Cameroon is a secular state that guarantees religious freedom. The North is predominantly Muslim, and the South is predominantly Christian. More than half of the nation identifies as Christian, but only around 9 percent are evangelical. Discipleship and godly leaders are desperately needed within the community to help believers grow in their faith. Unfortunately, the Church hasn’t been immune to the division and conflict in the nation, and the Church is often a target of violence, especially in the North. Christians are facing increasing persecution, especially from Islamist extremist groups. Christians in the North face violence, abduction, and even death. May Christians stand strong and not let threats deter them from practicing their faith.