‘Africa Is the Capital of the Enslaved’: Lawyer Reacts to Catholic Population Data
_Abuja, April 17, 2026_
Public interest lawyer Okoro Chibuike has described Africa as “the capital of the enslaved” while reacting to 2024 statistics on the Catholic population on the continent.
According to figures cited, more than a fifth of the world’s Catholics — about 288 million people — live in Africa.
Responding to the data, Chibuike stated: “the capital of the enslaved.”
He did not elaborate further but Chibuike is known for commentary on governance, health rights, religion, and post-colonial issues.
Data from the Vatican’s _Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae_ has shown consistent growth in Africa’s Catholic population over the past decade, with the continent accounting for roughly 20% of the global Catholic Church as of 2024. Nigeria, DR Congo, and Uganda have the largest Catholic populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria has not commented on Chibuike’s remarks as of press time.
Editorial Note:
This report relays statements made by Okoro Chibuike. The phrase “capital of the enslaved” is attributed to the speaker and reflects his personal characterization. Population figures cited are from 2024.