“There are many causes for concern for Christian minorities, like the economic impact of continued violence against Christians amid lockdowns, marginalisation of Christians, especially [converts], and Christians being blamed for having caused the virus.”

In Somalia, the Muslim community has been receiving false rumours from native Islamic terror group Al-Shabaab that COVID-19 is being spread “by the crusader forces (Christians) who have invaded the country and the disbelieving countries that support them.”

In Uganda, Chinese Christians are being blamed by Islamic radicals for spreading the virus. Radicals have retorted that the virus is Allah’s punishment on the Christians for burning copies of the Koran, Faithwire reports.

Moreover, extremist groups are exploiting the pandemic to recruit and radicalise fighters and justify their narratives of hate, division and enmity,” and to incite dependence from people whom they give resources to.

Persecuted Christians are in crucial need for food and support as Open Doors’ East Africa director, notes. “If the persecuted church is not strengthened and supported at this time, then the enemy will not sleep to dismantle and take advantage against believers,” he wrote in a report.

Source and image: christianheadlines.com