Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has signed a decree granting legal recognition to several religious organisations, allowing them to begin operating officially in the country.

The authorisation, signed on Friday, gives the churches the right to carry out religious activities in line with national laws governing faith-based organisations.

LAGOS EYE NEWS reports that the approvals come after warnings from the Minister of Territorial Administration, who threatened to shut down unregistered churches. With these new authorizations, Cameroon now has 55 legally approved churches, up from 47.

Among those recognised are the Russian Orthodox Church in Cameroon, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the International Christian Missionary Community, and the Reformed Overcomers Chapel. Others include Chapelle de la Gloire du Christ, Mission Chrétienne de l’Espérance – Maison de Prière, and the Église Évangélique Libre du Cameroun, alongside additional groups listed in the decree.

Under Cameroonian law, religious bodies are required to obtain formal approval from the state before they can operate legally.

Cameroon is home to a diverse religious landscape, with Christianity and Islam being the dominant faiths, alongside traditional beliefs.

The government says the authorisation process is intended to ensure freedom of worship while maintaining public order.

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