Selective Justice: The World's Indifference to Christian Persecution in Africa.

Something deeply troubling is happening in parts of Africa, but hardly anyone is talking about it. In places like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, Christians are being slaughtered, kidnapped, and driven from their homes. Just recently, seventy Christians were beheaded in the DRC by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to ISIS. It was a horrifying act of brutality, yet the world barely blinked.

Compare this to other global tragedies—rightfully, when violence occurs in parts of Europe, Asia, or the Middle East, there is widespread outrage, media coverage, and sometimes even international intervention. But when it happens to Christians in Africa? Silence. Why is that?

The Quiet Crisis No One Wants to Discuss.

If you’ve followed the news, you may have noticed that Christian persecution in Africa is often downplayed or misrepresented. Instead of calling it what it is—religious persecution—it’s labeled as “ethnic clashes” or “banditry.” Take Nigeria, for example. In the country’s Middle Belt, Christian communities are frequently attacked by radicalized Fulani militants, their homes burned, their families murdered. Boko Haram and other Islamist extremists have terrorized Nigerian Christians for years, yet the coverage is often muted.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Sudan have similar stories. Christian villages are razed, churches are attacked, and pastors are executed, yet these stories rarely make it to international headlines. And if they do, they’re framed as generic "unrest" rather than targeted religious violence.

Why the Silence?

There are a few reasons why Christian persecution in Africa doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.

1. Media Bias & Selective Coverage.

It’s no secret that global media outlets have their own narratives. Some stories get more coverage than others based on what aligns with their audience’s interests or political perspectives. Unfortunately, African Christians don’t seem to fit the preferred narrative of the oppressed. Their suffering doesn’t generate the kind of clicks and engagement that other global crises might.

2. Political and Economic Interests.

Let’s be honest—governments and international organizations prioritize crises based on strategic interests. Conflicts that affect major trade routes, oil reserves, or global security threats receive immediate attention. Christian persecution in rural parts of Africa doesn’t have the same geopolitical weight, so it often gets pushed aside.

3. Fear of Offending Powerful Groups.

Some of the groups targeting Christians in Africa have links to broader global extremist networks. Acknowledging these attacks as religiously motivated would mean confronting uncomfortable truths about radical extremism. Many governments and media outlets avoid this topic, perhaps fearing backlash or accusations of Islamophobia.

The Consequences of Selective Justice.

The danger of ignoring these atrocities is that it emboldens the perpetrators. When extremist groups realize they can get away with murdering Christians without global condemnation, they become more violent. The cycle of persecution continues, with entire communities wiped out simply because of their faith.

For the victims, the silence is devastating. Imagine losing your family, your home, and your entire way of life—only to realize that the world doesn’t care enough to speak up. That kind of abandonment deepens the trauma and suffering.

And beyond Africa, selective justice weakens the entire global human rights system. If justice is only applied to certain groups while others are ignored, then it isn’t really justice at all.

So, What Can Be Done?

The first step is awareness. More people need to know what’s happening. Churches, faith-based organizations, and human rights advocates must keep shining a light on these atrocities. Social media has given us all a platform—why not use it to amplify these voices?

Governments and international bodies also need to be held accountable. If global leaders can speak out against religious persecution in other parts of the world, they should do the same for Africa. Pressure from the public can make a difference.

Finally, we need to support the organizations that are already on the ground helping persecuted Christians. Groups like Open Doors, Aid to the Church in Need, and other religious freedom organizations are providing aid, legal support, and advocacy for those affected.

Breaking the Silence.

The world cannot afford to keep ignoring Christian persecution in Africa. Every victim of religious violence—regardless of their faith or location—deserves the same level of outrage, justice, and support. If we remain silent, we are complicit in allowing this suffering to continue.

It’s time to break the silence. Because when it comes to justice, it should never be selective.

If you want to help bring change by doing something about the 380 million Christians being persecuted all over the world, check out Open Doors. Get involved by Clicking HERE.

Stay Connected.

If you enjoyed this content and want to explore more insights like this, consider subscribing to my page. Your support helps me continue creating meaningful content. If you feel led to, you can also leave a tip as a token of appreciation. Thank you for being part of this journey!