“[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 Ali
Christians in Somalia live in one of the harshest environments in the world. It is a place where openly following Jesus is impossible. 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 condone and participate in surveillance, harassment, and intimidation, creating an environment where Christianity is criminalised.
The extremist group, al-Shabaab, has grown in dominance due to a declining political and security situation that has created a leadership void. The group aims to eradicate Christianity and openly executes anyone suspected of being a Christian.
Christian converts are particularly vulnerable in areas under al-Shabaab rule. The group enforces a brutally strict version of Sharia law, 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.
– That Somalia’s small number of believers find shelter and safety in the arms of Jesus.
– That God protects Christians and keeps them from death or attack by extremists.
– That God’s Spirit ministers to traumatised Somalians and heals their minds and spirits.
Open Doors has been supporting Somali believers across the Horn of Africa since the 1990s. Our vision is for believers to mature in their faith and foster nurturing relationships despite persecution. We facilitate discipleship and equip Christians to cope with severe persecution.
