Cameroon’s Minister of Cults, Paul Atanga Nji, declared on July 8, 2026, the impending shutdown of 1,400 new churches across the nation. This decisive action stems from what he described as “persistent administrative irregularities” concerning their operational status.
Back in 2024, the Minister had issued a directive for all new churches to register with his department. A significant number have yet to comply. “The period of tolerance has now ended,” he emphasized during a meeting with leaders of “Vie et Paix,” a revival church. This particular convocation followed the horrific murder of an 11-year-old girl in late June by a 22-year-old worshipper from that congregation. The young victim tragically sustained 17 stab wounds, with the perpetrator claiming to have acted under the command of the Holy Spirit.
This recent tragedy, which has deeply shaken the nation, was unfortunately not an isolated incident. It was preceded by a similar crime in March, involving another 11-year-old girl, though the specific motives for that earlier act remain undisclosed.
The Cameroonian government has been actively addressing the rapid proliferation of new churches throughout the country since 2006. As part of its regulatory efforts, 81 Christian associations, churches, and religious institutions were officially recognized in 2008, including 46 Protestant and Pentecostal denominations, all operating strictly within legal frameworks.
Much like other African nations, Cameroon has witnessed a significant surge in Christian sects since 1994. This growth can be attributed to a confluence of factors: the implementation of the law on freedom of association and the economic repercussions of the CFA franc devaluation. The devaluation created severe economic hardships for African countries, rendering vulnerable populations susceptible to the influence of various preachers.
In 2025, the Cameroonian government had already ordered the closure of nearly 200 places of worship belonging to new churches, primarily citing noise disturbances. At that time, unregistered new churches were explicitly warned to “begin closing down and packing up their operations.”
