For the first time since 2017, Syria is back in the top ten of the World Watch List. This follows a sharp increase in violence against Christians in the country. The list also shows that the very severe violence against Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa remains a major problem, not least in Nigeria.
Syria rises from position 18 to position 6 on the World Watch List, mainly due to a significant increase in the violence faced by the country’s Christians.
“A total of 27 Christians have been killed in brutal attacks targeting strategic churches and locations. These violent attacks speak for themselves and have frightened the country’s Christians. Many are now afraid to go to church and are even hiding their Christian symbols,” says Peter Paulsson, Secretary General of Open Doors Sweden. The situation for Christians in Syria has also deteriorated in terms of private life, family life, and life as citizens.
“Affects a Large Number of Christians”
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the escalation of violence remains evident. Of the three countries on the World Watch List where Christians face the most violence — Sudan, Nigeria, and Mali — all are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Violence against Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to increase. Over the past ten years, the measured level of violence against Christians has nearly doubled in the fourteen countries in the region that are on the World Watch List. This affects a large number of Christians, as one in eight Christians worldwide lives in these fourteen countries,” says Peter Paulsson.
Nigeria is once again the country where the most Christians are killed for their faith. Of the total 4,849 Christians killed worldwide, 3,490 were in Nigeria, an increase from 3,100 the previous year. The figures refer to confirmed cases, and the actual number is believed to be much higher. The situation in the country is complex, but the religious dimension is clear. Survivors of attacks by Boko Haram and militant Fulani groups testify that the perpetrators explicitly identify Christians as targets.
Churches Going Underground
Although violence is a major concern regarding the situation of Christians around the world, there is also a troubling trend concerning the oppression they face: churches being forced underground due to surveillance and restrictions.
This is evident, for example, in Algeria, where all Protestant churches have now been forced to close. Increased control is also noticeable in China, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Vietnam.
Among the few brighter developments in the World Watch List 2026 is a somewhat calmer situation in Bangladesh, where violence against Christians has decreased. The country’s interim government has emphasized the importance of religious freedom, although the situation could change after the elections scheduled for the spring.
