The same Saudi-backed training process was launched in Yemen, a very tribal society. Of course, these countries have almost no non-Muslims. But the point is that the religious and organizational transformation of Islam in these countries enhances the ability of Islamic spokesmen to influence secular institutions, including the state. But over time, this may change due to the creation of new Islamic training institutions. Turning now to Christian evangelism and missionary efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa, one perceives considerable diversity as compared with Islam.
Christian missionaries have a long and helpful history in the continent.
During the social gospel phase of Christianity, schools, health and other development programs supplemented or well exceeded those provided by colonial governments. But the evangelism of more fundamentalist, Pentecostal-type groups is fairly active in some countries, challenging traditional Christian sects and Muslims alike. Christianity does not have the same coherence as Islam, and this may weaken Christianity in its competition with Muslims over efforts to control governments and their programs. The more fundamentalist groups are also likely to be more aggressive in challenging both Muslims and other Christian sects in the battle for adherents and a level-playing field for religious and political influence. Robert Blood suggests that this competition can be avoided by somehow incorporating religion and ethnic groups into the political and social aspects of a nation, thereby giving priority to national over religious and ethnic identities.