The need has never been more pressing for Africa’s citizens, families, communities, governments, and other organizations at national and regional levels to defend and advance freedom of religion or belief (commonly known as FORB).
FORB is defined as follows in Article 18 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
1. Deeply religious
Africa has been and remains a deeply religious and diverse continent.
Defending and advancing FORB in Africa is important for several reasons. First among the reasons I cite here is the fact that Africa has been and remains a deeply religious and diverse continent.
One might argue that to resist or act against FORB (as several African state and non-state actors are doing—see here and here, for example) is to counter Africa’s and African identity.
According to the research findings of Afrobarometer, a pan-African, non-partisan research network, “More than nine in 10 Africans (95%) identify with a religion. A majority say they are Christians (56%), while one in three (34%) self-identify as Muslim.” This doesn’t deny the African identity of non-religious Africans, nor their right to not affiliate with or live according to any religious belief.
The benefits of religion, like living a happier, healthier life, increased civic engagement, and social stability, have been researched and documented. The African Union, through its Agenda 2063 document, recognizes these benefits, even if implicitly. According to Agenda 2063:
- “Our diversity in culture, heritage, languages and religion shall be a cause of strength”;
- “Africa is a continent of people with religious and spiritual beliefs, which play a profound role in the construction of the African identity and social interaction”; and
- “Africa shall be an inclusive continent where no child, woman or man will be left behind or excluded, on the basis of gender, political affiliation, religion, ethnic affiliation, locality, age or other factors.”
The aspirations involving religion in Agenda 2063 are necessary and noble. However, several challenges confront their advancement and achievement. These challenges are further reasons why defending and advancing FORB in Africa is important.
2. The new terrorism epicenter
Secondly, in 2024, Africa was designated “the new global terrorism epicenter” – a designation the continent has retained in 2025. This year, 6 African countries occupy the top 10 rankings of the recently published Global Terrorism Index (GTI): Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, and Cameroon.
In the African context, terrorism often involves the violent targeting of people groups based on religion or belief.
The designation of Africa as the new global terrorism epicenter is relevant because in the African context, terrorism often involves the violent targeting of people groups based on religion or belief. Recognition of “the rapid expansion of militant jihadist groups” in the GTI 2025 report reflects this reality.
3. Religious Persecution
Thirdly, Africa continues to feature prominently in the Open Doors annual World Watch list (WWL)—a ranking of the 50 countries in the world where Christians experience the most severe persecution. Almost half of the countries ranked in the WWL 2025 are from Africa. Five African countries feature in the top 10: Somalia, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, and Nigeria.
The WWL focuses specifically on the persecution of Christians. Nevertheless, it serves as an indicator of religious persecution broadly, and the degree to which FORB is restricted in Africa, at least in the Christian context. There is no denying that persons from other faith groups in Africa are also victims of terrorism, including in the form of religious persecution.
4. Poor governance
Finally, Africa continues to perform poorly compared to other regions on good governance indicator rankings. Because a positive relationship exists between FORB, economic development, and security, FORB encourages, and is a key feature of, good governance.
Therefore, the more the citizens of any African country have the freedom to live according to their beliefs, religious or otherwise, while respecting the rights of others, the greater the potential for the country in question to experience peace and prosperity.
Conversely, the more a country’s citizens are restricted concerning FORB, as is the case with increasing religion-based terrorism and other forms of religious persecution in Africa, the greater the potential for peace and prosperity is eroded.
Craig Bailie holds a Master’s degree in International Studies from Rhodes University and certificates in Thought Leadership, Public Leadership, and Transformative Governance. He is the Founding Director of Bailie Leadership Consultancy. He writes in his personal capacity.
