The Cameroonian government has announced a sweeping crackdown on revival churches, with 1,400 places of worship set to be closed in the coming days following the killing of an 11-year-old girl in the capital, Yaoundé. The decision was announced on July 8 by Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji, who said the government would take firm action against churches operating outside the law.
The announcement comes after the alleged murder of an 11-year-old girl during the night of June 27–28. According to investigators, the suspect—who has since been arrested—stabbed the child 17 times, based on findings from a forensic examination.
Religious influence under investigation
During questioning, the suspect reportedly told investigators that she had acted under the influence of a self-proclaimed prophet from her church, identified as Vie et Paix au Cameroun. She allegedly claimed that the religious leader convinced her that sacrificing a child would help resolve her financial difficulties.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine individual responsibilities in the case.
Government targets unauthorized churches
Beyond the criminal investigation, the government has expanded its response to the wider revival church movement. Minister Atanga Nji said officials have identified approximately 1,400 churches across the country that are operating without the required legal authorization and will be shut down.
He acknowledged that the rapid growth of such churches had been enabled by years of administrative tolerance, allowing hundreds of places of worship to open in urban neighborhoods without official approval.
« The faith can no longer exist outside the law, » the minister declared, signaling a tougher regulatory approach toward religious organizations.
Growing evangelical movement
Over the past three decades, evangelical and Pentecostal churches—including charismatic and revival movements—have expanded rapidly across Africa. The Cameroonian government says the latest measures are intended to restore oversight of the religious sector while ensuring that all places of worship comply with national laws and regulations. The announced closures mark one of the largest government crackdowns on unauthorized churches in Cameroon in recent years.
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