In this Arise Africa episode, we turn to Ethiopia, ranked 36th on the Open Doors World Watch List 2026, there is a rising trend of radicalisation.  Persecution in Ethiopia is complicated because it varies according to the type of Christian and where they live. What is consistent is that we have heard that there is an increase in severe hostility where Christians face mob violence, and sometimes death. 

You can make a difference today. Join thousands standing in solidarity with persecuted believers across Africa by signing the Arise Africa Petition at opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition

7th Episode: Ranked number 39 on the World Watch List 2026, Mozambique is a nation of vibrant faith – yet growing fragility. While over half the population identifies as Christian, believers in the northern Cabo Delgado province face relentless violence from Islamic extremist groups, some linked to the Islamic State.

Churches have been burned, homes destroyed, and families torn apart. In some areas, Christians – especially converts from Islam – must keep their faith secret for fear of abduction, execution, or rejection.

In this episode, we uncover what life is really like for the Church in Mozambique. Why has persecution intensified, even as the country dropped two places on the list? What is happening in Cabo Delgado? And how are believers responding in the face of overwhelming pressure and staggering violence? 

Through powerful stories, including voices like who risked everything to stand firm in his faith, we explore both the cost of discipleship and the resilience of hope. Join us as we look beyond the headlines and discover how the Church in Mozambique continues to endure – and why their story matters to us all.

You can make a difference today. Join thousands standing in solidarity with persecuted believers across Africa by signing the Arise Africa Petition at opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition

In the sixth Arise Africa episode, we turn to Burkina Faso, ranked 16 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2026, where Christians face extreme persecution amid a collapse of state authority. Islamic extremist groups dominate large areas, carrying out violent attacks, burning churches, destroying homes and displacing entire communities. With a violence score of 96.7%, believers—especially those who leave Islam to follow Jesus—are at severe risk.

We speak to Open Doors speaker, Laafi Bala, who share stories of resilience, including how they continue to minister despite devastating loss in the west of Africa.

Listen, learn, and act – because silence is not an option. Sign the Arise Africa Petition today opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition

In the fifth Arise Africa episode, we turn to Eritrea, ranked 5th on the World Watch List 2026, where following Jesus can mean surveillance, imprisonment and forced military service. Only four religious groups are officially recognised, leaving many Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians treated as illegal. Believers face violent raids, indefinite detention in harsh conditions and severe punishment for worshipping—especially within the military.

Converts from Islam or the Eritrean Orthodox Church risk rejection from family and community alongside state persecution. With intense pressure and widespread fear, Eritrea remains one of the world’s hardest places to live out the Christian faith—yet courageous believers continue to stand firm.

Haile is an Open Doors speaker, and he shares his life’s testimony and how the Lord has seen him and his family through as believers in an Islamic country.

Listen, learn, and act – because silence is not an option. Sign the Arise Africa Petition today at opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition!

In the fourth Arise Africa episode, we focus on Sudan. It’s ranked 4th on the Open Door’s World Watch List 2026, where Christians face extreme persecution amid civil war and political upheaval.

Since the 2021 military takeover and the outbreak of brutal conflict in 2023, religious freedom has sharply deteriorated. Churches have been bombed, occupied by militias and forced to close. Believers face discrimination, arrest and violence, while converts from Islam endure intense pressure, isolation and threats from family and community.

With a violence score of 100%, Sudan’s Church is under immense strain—yet Rafat Samir testifies about God’s goodness and faithfulness amid a war-torn country.

Listen, learn, and act – because silence is not an option. Sign the Arise Africa Petition today! opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition

Many women survive the unthinkable – they get kidnapped from their villages, enslaved, and violated in ways no human should endure. But when they finally escape and return home, expecting to be embraced, they find rejection. Their community turns its back. Their family whispers in shame.

This is the devastating reality for countless women across Central Africa (number 22 on the Open Doors World Watch List) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (number 29 on the Open Doors World Watch List). Targeted because of their Christian faith, they’re abducted by armed groups and forced into sexual slavery. Yet the cruelty doesn’t end with their captivity. Survivors who find their way back discover that stigma and rejection await them – punished by their own communities for crimes committed against them.

These women carry invisible scars while bearing visible shame. In this episode, Amora Farjara, who is the communications officer for our Central African Base, working in Cameroon, CAR, DRC, Chad. She is responsible for telling the story of the persecuted church with accuracy and compassion and is one of the staff members who interfaces most regularly with persecuted Christians. She is often part of the team of first responders and is also usually involved in emergency responses.

You can make a difference today. Join thousands standing in solidarity with persecuted women across Africa by signing the Arise Africa Petition at opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition

One signature. One voice.

While the world looks away, a humanitarian catastrophe unfolds in the heart of Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo and across Central Africa, Christian communities face a terrifying surge in targeted violence that demands our attention.

Armed militias are systematically attacking villages, burning churches, and slaughtering believers for their faith. But perhaps the most harrowing reality is what happens to the women and girls left behind. Thousands have been abducted, torn from their families, and forced into sexual slavery – their bodies becoming weapons of war, their voices silenced by unimaginable trauma.

Illia, a dedicated journalist and researcher from Open Doors, is joined by Amora Farjara. Amora is the communications officer for our Central African Base, working in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Conga, Chad etc. She is often part of the team of first responders and is also usually involved in emergency responses.

The time for awareness is now. The time for action is yesterday. These women cannot wait. Sign the Arise Africa petition. 

Welcome to the first episode of the Arise Africa podcast!

Each year, Open Doors publishes the World Watch List, detailing countries where Christians face staggering levels of persecution. This series will shine a spotlight on Sub-Saharan African nations, the epicentre of violence against Christians. Alarmingly, 4,491 out of 4,849 Christian deaths worldwide occurred in this region—an astonishing 93% of the global total.

Illia Djadi, works for Open Doors International as Senior Analyst for Freedom of Religion and Belief in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is a published writer, radio journalist and researcher. He has been covering news and human rights issues in Africa for more than two decades. Before joining Open Doors, he worked for various international organisations including BBC World Service in London.

Illia unveils the harsh realities facing the church in Africa. It's crucial that we take action—stop the violence and begin the healing! Don't wait—join our campaign today and sign the Arise Africa petition.