Mozambique Warned Over Restrictive Faith Law
Mozambique Warned Over Restrictive Faith Law
A new report has urged Mozambique to withdraw a proposed law regulating religious organizations, warning it could intensify persecution against Christians.
The joint report by the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), Open Doors International, and the Associação Evangélica de Moçambique (AEM) says the bill places unfair demands on Christian groups. Under the draft, churches would need at least 2,000 notarized signatures to register, and leaders would be required to hold theological qualifications.
Islamic institutions, however, are largely exempt. The government applies only internal jurisprudential rules to Sunni, Shiite, and Ismaili groups. The report adds that local authorities have already begun enforcing parts of the pending law.
Amid rising attacks from Islamic State-affiliated militants in northern Mozambique, faith leaders warn the measure could further endanger small congregations and house churches. Some pastors have been arrested even before the bill becomes law.
“Withdraw the draft Law on Religious Freedom and ensure legal frameworks comply with Article 18 of the ICCPR and Article 54 of the Constitution,” the report urged.
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The document, submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council, outlines a surge in violence by Ahlu-Sunnah wal Jama’ah (ASWJ). According to Open Doors, 56 Christians were killed in 2025, more than 100 churches were attacked or shut down, and 13 believers were abducted. Thousands have fled their homes in northern provinces.
In September, militants from the Islamic State Mozambique Province (ISMP) killed 11 Christians and burned 130 homes in Cabo Delgado. In Muanquina and Marera villages, families were executed, and churches destroyed.
Converts from Islam to Christianity face some of the harshest consequences. Many lose homes, jobs, and family support. Women and children are ostracized and live under constant threat.
The violence has displaced over 600,000 people, worsening humanitarian crises already driven by floods and cyclones. In July alone, 46,000 people fled Cabo Delgado’s Chiúre, Ancuabe, and Muidumbe districts over half were children.
Religious leaders are divided on solutions.
Archbishop Inácio Saure said Mozambique must address root causes rather than rely on military action.
“The military route will only kill. Many people are already dying, and the war never ends,” he told local media.
Mozambique ranks 37th on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the worst persecution. Christians make up 55.6% of the population, Muslims 17.7%, and traditional believers 26%.
The report calls on the government to protect faith communities and design a national strategy to counter violent extremism in line with the U.N. Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Content Credit: Moyosola Oni
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