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Christians in Somalia live in one of the harshest environments in the world, a place where openly following Jesus is impossible. In Somalia as a whole, it is illegal to convert from Islam to Christianity under the 2012 Provisional Constitution. Sharia (Islamic law) is upheld in all regions and this, coupled with social and clan pressure, forces Christians to practise their faith in secret and isolation. Conversion to a different religion is seen as betrayal and a dishonouring of country, clan and family. This can lead to violence, being disowned by family (which in clan-based Somalia leaves individuals highly vulnerable) and even execution, often by family members. Christians have no legal protection. Officials participate in or condone surveillance, harassment and intimidation – creating an environment where Christianity is criminalised.
The militant extremist group Al-Shabaab has grown in dominance in certain areas due to a worsening political and security situation that has created a leadership void. This group wishes to eradicate Christianity and openly executes anyone suspected of being a Christian.
Christian converts are particularly vulnerable in areas under Al-Shabaab control. The group enforces a brutally strict version of Sharia, and Christian converts are publicly executed if discovered.
Christians are still vulnerable even in areas under the Somali federal government (as well as in the northern, semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and Somaliland), where Islam is the sole legal religion. Believers in these areas face widespread social hostility and surveillance, and are legally forbidden from converting, worshipping or sharing their faith. In Somaliland, attempts to reopen Christian places of worship have led to protests, arrests and public backlash.
"[My father] said, ‘I cannot stop you from reading your Bible, but if you become a Christian, I will be the one to kill you.’"
Aweis, a Christian from Somalia who serves the Somali church across the Horn of Africa. At one point, "Aweis" was part of an underground church, but only two members remain. The rest have been martyred.
Somalia is still one of the most dangerous countries in the world to follow Jesus, which is why it is again ranked second on the World Watch List. Christians often fall victim to both ideological targeting and the collateral damage of a criminalised war economy. The political instability in Somalia has worsened, with tensions increasing between Ethiopia and Somalia over territorial disputes. This has weakened regional security and has led to increased lawlessness and criminal activity.
Al-Shabaab has exploited this, enabling the group to flourish using funds obtained through criminal acts. Given that Al-Shabaab is intent on eliminating Christianity, this leaves Christians more exposed.
Open Doors has been supporting Somali believers across the Horn of Africa since the 1990s. Our vision is to see followers of Christ grow to maturity in their faith and have nurturing relationships amid persecution. We seek to achieve that by facilitating discipleship and equipping Christians to cope with severe persecution.
Heavenly Father, in Your holy name, we pray. When You are with us, no one can be against us. What people see as impossible, like a Somali church, is in fact possible because of You. Because when we have You, everything for Your Kingdom is possible. No persecution, rejection, excommunication or threat could remove the light from the Somali people. You told us that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
