(Reading time: 1 - 2 minutes)
Somali children

At an October 5th news conference, police in the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland announced that a Christian couple had been arrested for being "apostates and evangelists spreading Christianity." On September 21st, the two were taken from their home in Hargeisa where police also found Christian literature in their possession.

The police spokesperson, Faisal His Elmi, stated that the arrest came from an anonymous tip. He also threatened that "whoever dares to spread Christianity in this region should be fully aware that they won't escape the hand of the law enforcement officers and that the spread of Christianity will not be allowed and is considered blasphemy." He encouraged others to report Christians who share their faith.

The detained couple, who are the parents of three children, will face trial by a regional court. Their arrests and detentions have generated fear among other believers in the area, causing many of them to flee for safety. To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Somalia, visit our country report.

May the God of all comfort be wonderfully sensed by this couple and their children, reminding them to trust in Him for protection from the threat of assault and endangerment. Pray that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will fortify and restore their souls. Likewise, may the other Somali believers who have fled the area in search of safety be greatly encouraged by the promises of the Lord's divine presence and leading. Intercede for the church leaders in Somalia who are faithfully serving as beacons of light in dark places so that many others will be drawn into the Kingdom of God.

Country Information

Population
12,094,640 (July 2021 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Somali (85), Bantu and other non-Somali (15)

Religion (%)
Islam (99.6), Christianity (0.3), other (0.1)

Leader
President Mohamed Abdullah Mohamed (2017)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of civil law, Islamic law, and customary law (referred to as Xeer)

Source: CIA World Factbook

Pray for Somalia

Please join us in praying for our ministry partners who are effectively reaching Somalians through the multiple radio broadcasts, specifically asking God to further strengthen and equip them so they can continue with their vital outreach work. Also, pray that the hearts of those yearning to learn more about the Lord will be greatly encouraged through the broadcast messages. May these spiritual seekers be shielded from all harm, while their lives are being radically transformed by the ongoing work of His Holy Spirit.

end

Select a Region

Somalia News

  • Arrested Couple Released
    People in Somalia

    On September 21st, police in the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland detained a Christian couple. They were described as "apostates and evangelists spreading Christianity." To view a previously published report on the arrest, go to this page.

  • Christian Couple Arrested
    Somali children

    At an October 5th news conference, police in the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland announced that a Christian couple had been arrested for being "apostates and evangelists spreading Christianity." On September 21st, the two were taken from their home in Hargeisa where police also found C

    ...
  • Spreading God's Light to the Somali People

    Radio equipment

    Paul, a Somali Christian brother, is faithfully recording messages of his faith to be posted on YouTube. Another Somali man recently came to faith in Christ after Jesus appeared to him in a dream. And yet another dreamed that Jesus told him to read the Bible; he has since accepted Christ as his Savi

    ...
  • Al-Shabaab Increases Terrorist Attacks

    Soldiers in Somalia
    Although the army is combatting terrorism, the true battle is a spiritual one.

    The Somalia-based terrorist group, al-Shabaab, has overtaken Nigeria's Boko Haram as Africa's deadliest militant group, according to new figures from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

    The data, compiled by

    ...