Cameroonian Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, declared on July 8, 2026, the “imminent closure” of 1,400 new churches across the nation, citing their “persistent administrative irregularities.”
The minister had previously mandated in 2024 that all new churches register with his department; however, many have yet to comply. “The period of tolerance has now expired,” he emphasized during a meeting with leaders of the “Vie et Paix” revival church. This meeting was convened following the tragic murder of an 11-year-old girl in late June, allegedly by a 22-year-old female adherent of the church. The young victim was stabbed 17 times, with the perpetrator claiming to have acted under divine instruction.
This harrowing incident, which deeply shocked the country, was preceded by a similar crime in March where another 11-year-old girl was killed under unspecified circumstances.
Since 2006, the Cameroonian government has actively worked to curb the uncontrolled proliferation of new churches within its borders. By 2008, it had officially recognized 81 associations, Christian churches, and religious institutions, including 46 Protestant and Pentecostal churches, all operating in accordance with national law.
Much like other African nations, Cameroon has witnessed a significant rise in Christian sects since 1994. This surge was partly facilitated by the law on freedom of association and exacerbated by the devaluation of the CFA franc, which plunged many African countries into economic hardship, driving vulnerable populations into the arms of various preachers.
In 2025, the Cameroonian government had already shuttered nearly 200 worship places belonging to new churches, primarily due to noise disturbances. At that time, unregistered new churches were explicitly warned to “begin closing down and packing up.”