Somalia

Somalia

Most from this country believe that to be Somali is to be Muslim, so those who come to Christ are seen as denying their religion as well as their entire nationality. After years of drought and civil war, more Somalis live outside of Somalia than within it. Those who've emigrated believe that any place where groups of Somalis are located must still be governed by Somali law. Therefore, any  Christian missionary or convert residing in a Somali community anywhere else in the world faces severe persecution regardless of the national laws. However, the dispersion of Somalis has also created unique opportunities for the Gospel to spread among this African people group. Since God's Word has become more accessible, there are more Somali believers today around the world than ever before. Many of them are passionate about sharing their faith with fellow Somalis.

Life for Christians

As there are no church buildings in Somalia, and it's extremely dangerous to be a Christian in this part of the world, the number of secret believers may be larger than we know.  Because there is little trust between the people of this country, believers do not readily reveal their faith. Otherwise, when discovered, they are immediately killed by those in allegiance to the al-Shabaab terrorist group. In fact, Christians are more likely to be killed by a militant family member than to be imprisoned.

Somalia Information

  • Country Information

    Population
    12,693,796 (2023 est.)

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

    Religion (%)
    Islam (99.9), ethnic religions (0.1)

    Leader
    President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (2022)

    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.

Somalia News

  • Christian Merchants Killed by Suspected Militants
    Ahmad Diriye
    Ahmad Diriye, Emir of al-Shabaab
    Photo: Wikipedia / U.S. State Department

    Six Kenyan merchants, all of them professed followers of Jesus, were killed in a border town between Kenya and Somalia on March 29th. The perpetrators of the crime then fled the Somalian town of Dhobley and travelled further into the country. It is believed that those responsible for the attack are members of al-Shabaab, a militant Islamic group based in Somalia.

  • Al-Shabaab "Peace" Offer Poses Threat to Christian Minority
    Al-Shabaab militants
    Photo: Voice of America

    For years, the nation of Somalia has been in a state of political turmoil caused by rival factions that are fighting for control of the country, including the al-Qaeda affiliated group known as al-Shabaab. While this militant terrorist group frequently conducts indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians in general, it is particularly known to target Christians.

  • 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 Christian literature in their possession.