In a significant move impacting religious organizations, Paul Atanga Nji, Cameroon’s Minister in charge of cults, announced on July 8, 2026, the “imminent closure” of 1,400 new churches across the nation. This decision stems from what he described as “persistent administrative irregularities” surrounding their operations.
The minister had previously mandated in 2024 that all new churches register with his department. Despite this directive, a considerable number have yet to comply. “The period of tolerance has now ended,” Minister Atanga Nji emphasized during a meeting with leaders of the “Vie et Paix” revival church. This particular convocation followed a deeply disturbing incident in late June, where an 11-year-old girl was tragically murdered by a 22-year-old member of the church, who claimed to have acted under the instruction of the Holy Spirit. The young victim sustained 17 stab wounds in the brutal attack.
This shocking crime, which sent ripples of profound emotion throughout Cameroon, was not an isolated event. It was preceded by a similar tragic incident in March, involving another 11-year-old girl, though the specific motives for that earlier crime remained undisclosed.
The Cameroonian government has been actively addressing the proliferation of new churches since 2006. By 2008, it had formally recognized 81 associations, Christian Churches, and various religious institutions, including 46 Protestant and Pentecostal churches, all operating within the established legal framework.
Mirroring trends observed in other African nations, the rise of Christian sects has gained considerable momentum in Cameroon since 1994. This surge can be attributed to the enactment of the law on freedom of association and the economic hardships that followed the devaluation of the CFA franc. This financial downturn created significant economic challenges for many African countries, leaving vulnerable populations susceptible to the appeals of various preachers.
Just last year, in 2025, the Cameroonian government shut down nearly 200 places of worship belonging to new churches, primarily citing noise pollution as the reason. At that time, unregistered new churches were explicitly warned to “begin closing and packing up” their operations.
