PERSECUTION LEVEL
Extreme
POPULATION
16,105,000
CHRISTIAN
Hundreds (OD estimate)
GOVERNMENT
Federal Republic
LEADER
President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed
PROFILE OF PERSECUTION
Violence 9.8/16.7
Church Life 16.3/16.7
National Life 16.6/16.7
Community Life 16.6/16.7
Family Life 16.7/16.7
Private Life 16.5/16.7
How the scoring worksDownload country dossier with in-depth research
What does persecution look like in Somalia? What is life like for Christians?
It is impossible to publicly admit your Christian faith in Somalia, and “church life” is non-existent. Islam is considered a crucial part of Somali identity, and if any Somali is suspected of having converted to Christianity, they are in great danger. Members of their family, clan or community will harass, intimidate or even kill them. Women may be raped and forcibly married.
Christians are also in danger from al-Shabab, a violent group that advocates Shariah (Islamic law) as the basis for regulating all aspects of life. Christians from a Muslim background are considered a “high-value target” by al-Shabab, who have often executed believers on the spot, when discovered.
If a Christian man is killed or abducted, his whole family suffers, as the man is usually the breadwinner. The remaining family are often left unprotected and seen as a stain on the community.
Meet “Momina”
“We were all dead, but Jesus came to save us and give us a new life … I leave my life in His hands. I am so excited that God is with me wherever I am; I am also glad the Lord listens to my prayers.”
What has changed in Somalia?
Somalia remains No. 3 on the World Watch List, as one of the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. The pressure on Christians remains at an extreme level. Christians in the country risk being killed by Islamic militants, and clan leaders, elders and family members monitor the movements of any suspected Christian convert.
In recent years, the situation appears to have got even worse. Islamic militants have intensified their hunt for Christians, particularly any in a position of leadership.
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
All Christians from a Muslim background are in great danger in Somalia—and everybody is considered to be from a Muslim background. Those living in areas under the control of al-Shabab are particularly vulnerable.
What does Open Doors do to help Christians in East Africa?
Open Doors supports Somali believers across the Horn of Africa by focusing on discipleship support, literature distribution and community development, as well as broadcasting radio programs into the region.
Pray for Somalia
- Pray for the families of those who have been murdered for their faith, that they would receive the comfort of their Heavenly Father and be healed from bitterness.
- Pray for a strong church to grow among Somali people, relying on Jesus and with a hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God.
- Pray for those who are responsible for the killings of Christians to be convicted with the fear of the Lord.
Stories from Somalia
January 18, 2021
13 Christians murdered for following Jesus—every day
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January 13, 2021
The 10 most dangerous places for Christians
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December 11, 2020
10 most-dangerous places for Christians to live
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