A Christian–Muslim fault line divides Africa into two blocs

Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing a major religious transformation, with Islam and Christianity rapidly expanding and often clashing. The northern part is predominantly Muslim, while the southern part is largely Christian. In countries like Nigeria and The Gambia, this divide has become a flashpoint, leading to significant human suffering. Islamist violence and restrictions on freedoms are increasing, affecting both Christian and Muslim communities.

As recently as 1900, both Islam and Christianity were minority religions in Africa, with most Africans practicing traditional beliefs. At that time, Christians and Muslims together made up only a quarter of the population. However, both religions have grown significantly since then. Today, after two centuries of Christian missionary work, Sub-Saharan Africa is predominantly Christian, with large Christian populations in countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In contrast, North Africa is overwhelmingly Muslim, with a long history of Islamic influence dating back to the 7th century, when Islam spread from the Arabian Peninsula to countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco.

When considering the entire African continent, Christians and Muslims are nearly equal in number. North Africa’s Muslim population balances the Christian majority in sub-Saharan Africa, with each group estimated to have 400 to 500 million followers.


Why aren’t the difficulties faced by Christians in Africa better known in the West? Leave your comments below.  

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Today, the expansion of Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa is largely driven by evangelical and Pentecostal movements, with Pentecostalism being the fastest-growing denomination on the continent. Its growth is fueled by energetic worship, emphasis on personal experience with the Holy Spirit, and active missionary work. According to Lausanne World Pulse research, Pentecostalism resonates with Africans because it aligns with traditional religious paradigms, embracing the supernatural and incorporating interventionist and oral theological forms that connect with African piety.

Islam’s growth in sub-Saharan Africa is particularly strong in the northern regions and the central belt. High fertility rates in Muslim-majority countries like Niger and Chad contribute to this rapid population increase, expanding the Muslim presence. Migration has also played a role, with internal movement from predominantly Muslim regions increasing the Muslim population in other areas. In Nigeria, the spread of Islam is further linked to the implementation of Shariah law in 12 northern states, which has solidified Islam’s dominance and marginalized non-Muslim communities.

In the central belt, where these two religious worlds converge, lies a region of significant tension and conflict. Nigeria and The Gambia, two countries straddling this religious divide, have become epicenters of religious conflict, leading to a tragic cycle of violence, displacement, and human rights abuses.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is almost evenly split between Christians in the south and Muslims in the north. Northern Nigeria, where several states have adopted Shariah law, has become a battleground for religious dominance. The rise of extremist groups like Boko Haram has further exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread violence, particularly targeting Christians.

The atrocities committed by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) are well-documented, with reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch detailing horrific acts such as church bombings, mass kidnappings of girls, and mass killings of Christians. In just the past four years, roughly 62,000 Christians have been killed by Islamists in Nigeria, while 21,000 have been abducted. These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to impose an extremist Islamic ideology on the region. However, it’s important to note that while Christians are often the primary targets, Muslims are not spared from violence. Many Muslims have also suffered at the hands of Boko Haram, either for opposing the group’s radical agenda or simply being caught in the crossfire.

In The Gambia, a country that is 96.4 percent Muslim, the influence of Islam is becoming more pronounced. In 2015, then-President Yahya Jammeh declared, “The Gambia will become a truly Islamic country, and the constitution shall be the Quran.” While The Gambia has historically been known for its relative religious tolerance, there are growing concerns about the increasing marginalization of Christian communities. Reports from local NGOs and international religious freedom watchdogs have noted instances of discrimination and social pressure against Christians as the Muslim population continues to grow.

Nigeria and The Gambia officially guarantee religious freedom, and Muslim citizens are legally permitted to convert to Christianity. However, in the 12 states in Nigeria governed by Shariah law, conversion to Christianity is illegal. Lekan Raji, a Pentecostal pastor from Nigeria stationed in The Gambia in 2022, explained that while pastors in The Gambia have the freedom to exist, they are prohibited from preaching in public or attempting to convert others. However, if individuals approach the church and wish to convert, they are allowed to do so. This is just one of many obstacles hindering the growth of Christianity in The Gambia.

Lekan Raji explained that while it’s not technically illegal to start a church in The Gambia, “If you tell a landlord you want to start a church, they won’t rent to you.” The Sarahule (or Soninke) ethnic group, which controls a significant portion of the real estate sector in The Gambia, is known for promoting a more fundamentalist interpretation of Islam. This influence extends to social practices and religious norms across the country. According to Lekan, by dominating certain industries, strict Islamists can exert social, if not political, pressure to restrict religious freedoms.

He said that while there is open violence against Christians in northern Nigeria, in The Gambia, “The persecution is subtle.” He pointed out that many Gambians have Christian names because they were educated in Catholic schools. Although the government has allowed these schools to continue operating, they are now required to include Islamic teachings in the curriculum. “I just don’t see how that’s compatible with Christian education,” he joked sardonically. History has taught that influencing what is taught in schools is often one of the first steps to eventually taking over a nation.

“I see that Islam is a concerted effort that involves a lot of thought, resources, and planning,” remarked Lekan. “The Gambia has support from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which includes about 57 countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, so a lot of funds flow in—it's a really great war chest.” The OIC, along with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), funds the construction of infrastructure, including highways. “They have a bank, the AGIB (Arab Gambian Islamic Bank), which is overtaking all the other financial institutions.” Controlling the financial network can effectively cut off funding for non-Islamic or non-compliant businesses and individuals.

In The Gambia, while the situation is less violent than in Nigeria, the Christian minority are still struggling. The country’s Muslim majority has become increasingly dominant, leading to social and legal discrimination against Christians. Efforts to establish new Christian parishes or expand existing ones are often met with resistance, contributing to a growing sense of marginalization within the Christian community.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the ongoing religious conflict has led to the significant displacement of 3.1 million people, particularly Christians in the northern states. Many have been forced to flee to the southern regions or seek refuge in neighboring countries. This displacement is not only physical but also demographic, as the Muslim population in certain areas expands through migration, higher birth rates, and, in some cases, forced conversions or social pressure. It is currently predicted that by 2050, the number of Muslims will equal the number of Christians worldwide. 


Why aren’t the difficulties faced by Christians in Africa better known in the West? Leave your comments below.  


 Antonio Graceffo, PhD, China-MBA MBA, is a China economic analyst teaching economics at the American University in Mongolia. He has spent 20 years in Asia and is the author of six books about China. His writing has appeared in The Diplomat, South China Morning Post, Jamestown Foundation China Brief, Penthouse, Shanghai Institute of American Studies, Epoch Times, War on the Rocks, Just the News, and Black Belt Magazine.

Image credit:  PickPik   


 

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  • Emberson Fedders
    commented 2024-10-14 12:10:59 +1100
    Two groups arguing violently about which one of their made-up gods is the real one.
  • Greg Abdul
    commented 2024-10-12 01:51:11 +1100
    This is an article promoting Christianity. The sad thing is, more and more you have to LIE in order to try to sell your religion. Hundreds and thousands of Christians are being killed by Muslims? And the US and Europe ignore Christians being slaughtered while the world fights of less than 50,000 Muslims in Greater Israel? Your LIE does not pass the common sense test. Guess not your white jesus either huh?
  • Antonio Graceffo
    published this page in The Latest 2024-10-10 20:57:35 +1100