Somalia is a country in eastern Africa, located in the Horn of Africa. Much of Somalia is semidesert. The central and southern regions are flat, while the northern region rises to form rugged mountain ranges. Only a tiny proportion of its land is arable, though more than half is grazeable. Most of the people are nomadic or seminomadic Somalis.
Somalia
17,339,000
Islam
Only a few hundred
Freedom House describes Somalia as “not free”, assigning a score of 8 our of 100 total freedom’s score.
The federal parliamentary republic is led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Since the collapse of an authoritarian regime in 1991, the government has struggled to re-establish a functioning state. In 2012 limited, indirect elections brought a federal government to power. By 2016, it had established five federal member states, though these semiautonomous regions are often at odds with the central government.
The government’s territorial control is also contested by a separatist government in Somaliland and by al Shabaab, an Islamic militant group. No direct national elections have been held to date, and political affairs remain dominated by clan divisions. Amid ongoing insecurity, human rights abuses by both state and nonstate actors occur regularly.
Somalia’s 2012 Constitution underscores Islam as the state religion and elevates Sharia law above all else, effectively banning the propagation of other religions. The overwhelming Sunni Muslim majority views Christians as culturally damaging. Middle East Concern states: The provisional federal constitution establishes Islam as the State religion and provides that all legislation must be consistent with Islamic principles. Freedom of religious practice is affirmed, though the propagation of non-Islamic religions is forbidden. The constitutions of Somaliland and Puntland contain similar provisions, but also stipulate that a Muslim cannot convert to another religion. Under the Penal Code of 1963, which notionally applies to the whole country, blasphemy and the defamation of Islam are criminal offences. In principle, the federal government has powers to register religious groups, but in practice no Christian churches have official recognition.
The group further states: A Somali is supposed be a Muslim. There is no scope to adhere another religion. Due to Somalia’s strong clan and family culture, Somalis who choose to leave Islam are likely to face strong family and societal pressure, including violent responses from family members. Those considered apostates may also face severe sanctions under Islamic law, including the possible death penalty. Besides societal pressure, Christians have to fear al-Shabaab, particularly in the south, where al-Shabaab seeks to implement a strict form of Islamic law. The threat from al-Shabaab is felt within Somali communities in neighbouring countries as well – several atrocities have been carried out against Somali Christian targets in the Garissa area of northern Kenya as part of a wider al-Shabaab campaign.
- Uphold converts from Islam, viewed as betrayers and often killed on discovery. Pray for their safety and support to practice faith in complete secrecy.
- Somalia’s government under PM Hamza Abdi Barre enforces Sharia and bans other faiths. Pray for open-minded leadership and reforms to allow religious freedom.
- Pray for peace within Somalia. Conflict between the Sunni Muslim majority and other minorities like the Shia school, in addition to ongoing Al-Shabaab control over many areas has made it a volatile place for everyone.
- Thank God for Somalia’s 17,339,000 people and their resilience amid turmoil. Pray for peace and renewal to touch this fractured nation.
- Give thanks for the small, hidden Christian community, numbering only hundreds, who cling to faith despite extreme danger. Ask for courage to persevere.
- Praise God for the quiet bravery of Christians sharing their faith in secret. Pray for wisdom and openings to spread the Gospel in a hostile land.
- Somalia ranks 2nd on the 2024 World Watch List, with intense persecution from Al-Shabaab and societal rejection. Pray for strength for believers facing life-threatening risks.
- Lift up Christian leaders, prime targets for execution by Islamic militants. Ask for their protection, discernment, and endurance to guide others in faith.
- Pray for Christian women, especially converts, facing rape, forced marriage, and house arrest. Seek their safety, freedom, and healing from trauma and shame.
- Support Christian men suspected of conversion, at risk of torture, abduction, and death. Pray for their safety and provision for families facing boycotts and loss.
- Ask for hope for Christians forced to hide their faith or flee due to Al-Shabaab’s control. Pray for safe havens and resources for those in constant fear.
- Pray for youth pressured to join Al-Shabaab or attend Islamic training. Pray that many would come to faith in Christ and feel extremist influence.
- Believers are unable to gather or rebuild churches. Pray for safe spaces to worship in secret.
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