Algeria

Algeria, Africa’s largest country by land, is a striking land of contrasts—from Mediterranean shores to the vast Sahara. Its rich heritage weaves together Berber, Arab, Roman, Ottoman, and French influences, reflected in its culture, language, and traditions. Yet behind this beauty lies political tension and social fragility. Despite immense oil and gas reserves, the country struggles with economic instability, high unemployment, and a rigid educational system that stifles creativity and spiritual growth—especially among its restless youth.

Algeria’s economy surged in the 1960s–1980s as it transitioned from agriculture to oil exports, with GDP per capita rising 1,000%. But over-reliance on hydrocarbons created a fragile rent-based economy. When oil prices crashed, it exposed weak institutions and deepened national debt. Corruption, bureaucracy, and failed diversification efforts—like the East-West Highway scandal—have only worsened the situation. Political and economic reforms remain slow and incomplete, hindered by fear of unrest and a legacy of authoritarian governance.

The economic downturn fueled political discontent, culminating in the rise of the Islamic Salvation Front and the military’s 1992 intervention, sparking a decade-long civil war. Though oil production continued, national healing stalled. Since then, Algeria has prioritized political control over liberalization as a result, over 40 Protestant churches have been closed . While education has improved, a lack of jobs forces many skilled youth to emigrate. The state’s tight grip extends to religion, with severe restrictions on non-Muslim worship, especially targeting Christian converts among the Kabyle Berbers. Evangelism is illegal.

Despite harsh persecution—church closures, arrests, and a 2024 law banning much of Christian activity—the underground church is growing. In areas like Tizi Ouzou and Béjaia, house churches flourish, and online ministries reach hearts behind closed doors. Dreams, healings, and bold faith stories continue to emerge. Algeria’s youth, tired of empty systems and hungry for truth, represent a new spiritual frontier. In hidden corners of the country, a quiet but powerful Gospel movement is taking root—resilient, courageous, and full of hope.