Cameroon’s Minister of Cults, Paul Atanga Nji, declared on July 8, 2026, the impending shutdown of 1,400 new churches across the nation. This decisive action stems from what he termed “persistent administrative irregularities” within these religious organizations.
The minister had previously mandated in 2024 that all new churches register with his department. A significant number, however, have yet to comply with this directive. “The period of tolerance has now unequivocally ended,” Minister Atanga Nji affirmed during a meeting with leaders of the “Vie et Paix” revival church. This particular convocation followed the tragic murder of an 11-year-old girl in late June, allegedly perpetrated by a 22-year-old adherent of the church. The young victim suffered 17 stab wounds, with the assailant claiming to have acted under the instruction of the Holy Spirit, as detailed on the ministry’s official website.
This shocking incident, which deeply resonated across Cameroon, was not isolated. It was preceded by a similar crime in March, where another 11-year-old girl was also killed under unspecified circumstances, further heightening national concern.
The Cameroonian government has actively worked to curb the proliferation of new churches since 2006. In 2008, authorities formally recognized 81 Christian associations, churches, and religious institutions, including 46 Protestant and Pentecostal denominations, all operating within the established legal framework.
Mirroring trends observed in other African nations, the phenomenon of Christian sects has seen a significant surge in Cameroon since 1994. This growth was partly facilitated by the law on freedom of association and exacerbated by the devaluation of the CFA franc. The economic hardships induced by this devaluation pushed vulnerable populations into the embrace of various preachers and their burgeoning movements.
In 2025, the Cameroonian government had already ordered the closure of nearly 200 new church places of worship, primarily citing “noise pollution.” At that time, unregistered new churches were explicitly warned to “begin closing and packing up,” signaling the government’s escalating resolve to enforce regulations.