Attempts have been made to isolate Christians from village life. In September and October 1999, on Anjouan, a religious leader started an unofficial campaign against Christians. Committees were formed in many villages to harass Christians, and lists of names of suspected Christians were circulated. Anti-Christian rhetoric was broadcast on the radio. This campaign resulted in threats, but there were no reports of violence.
Christians face insults and threats of violence from members of their communities.
Christians have been harassed by mobs in front of mosques and called in for questioning by religious authorities. In some instances, families have forced Christian family members out of their homes or threatened them with a loss of financial support. Some Christians have had their Bibles taken by family members. In the past, local government officials, religious authorities, and family members have attempted to force Christians to attend services at mosques against their will, but there were no reports of such incidents during the period covered by this report. Islamic fundamentalism is growing in popularity as more students return to the country after studying Islamic subjects in foreign countries.