5. Eritrea
Region
Africa
Christian population
1 687 000 (44.2%)
Main relegion
Islam
Main threats
• Dictatorial paranoia
• Christian denominational protectionism
• Organised corruption and crime
Eritrea is one of the world’s most difficult places to be a follower of Jesus. The government recognises only four religious groupings. These exclude most Evangelical and Pentecostal groups, who are treated as illegal.
Christians who worship outside state-sanctioned churches face intense surveillance, violent police raids and indefinite imprisonment – often in brutally shocking conditions. Converts from Islam or the Eritrean Orthodox Church also risk rejection by their families and social exclusion, in addition to state persecution.
The militarised nature of society compounds repression. People who are forcibly drafted into the military face an indefinite period of service. There is no leniency for anyone unwilling to serve, and Christians in the military caught worshipping are punished severely.
Christians face a devastating dilemma: endure persecution and forced service or flee the country through routes made hazardous by trafficking, danger and the risk of torture.
Total score
89%
Pressure
92%
Violence
73%
Please pray
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Pray that the many Christians stuck in Eritrea’s notorious prison system will keep their hope alive and be set free.
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Ask God to protect and provide for the daily needs of Christians who are arrested or detained for their faith.
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Pray that President Afwerki’s heart would be turned away from oppression and towards the love of Jesus.