The situation for Christians worsened after the July 2023 coup, when General Abdourahamane Tiani declared himself Niger’s new leader. There were fears this would open the country to further attacks from Islamist extremists. The impact of this continued throughout 2024. 

In areas under militant control, church services are at risk for potential violence or physical attack. The safety and freedom of Christians has been significantly limited by frequent attacks and kidnappings. There has also been a rise in attacks on Christian property, such as churches, schools and healthcare centres. 

Those who leave Islam to follow Jesus face pressure from their families to renounce their new faith. Pressure also comes from the authorities, and this is likely to increase in the near future. The legal process for registering a church is arduous and has been used to prevent Christians from gathering. This impacts their sense of community. Believers can also face discrimination in the public sector.