Petition against anti-Christian violence in Africa seeks one million signatures for protection and justice

Pastor Josiah led a time of remembrance in northern Nigeria, where he and his community grieve the loss of his wife and multiple sons in attacks by Fulani militants targeting Christian communities. Such violence is not uncommon in the region, where religious tensions often escalate into deadly conflict.

Open Doors UK & Ireland has launched a petition called “Arise Africa,” urging Christians worldwide to gather a million signatures to demand an end to sectarian violence in sub-Saharan Africa. The petition highlights the urgent need for protection for believers and justice for perpetrators of such attacks.

The petition notes that on average, 12 Christians are killed daily in the region due to religious persecution. Open Doors reports that in its 2026 watch list of the world’s most dangerous countries for Christians, 17 of the 50 are in Africa. Five of these countries appear in the top ten, with Somalia and Nigeria being among them.

Somalia ranks second globally for persecution of Christians, largely due to the influence of the militant Islamist group Al-Shabaab. Nigeria, home to the largest Christian population in Africa, is also deeply affected by violence from Islamic groups and religiously unaffiliated bandits. The country accounts for the majority of the 12 Christians killed each day in sub-Saharan Africa.

Open Doors plans to present the petition to the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, and national governments. Tiffany Barrans, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, emphasized that one million signatures would send a clear message to world leaders that the suffering of African Christians cannot be ignored.

The call for justice and protection echoes Micah 6:8, which urges people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. The petition seeks to align with these values by advocating for the safety of vulnerable communities and the restoration of peace.

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