2Somalia

In Somalia, following Jesus is a matter of life and death. Al-Shabaab, a violent Islamist militant group, is at war with the government and controls large swathes of the country. This group enforces a strict form of Sharia (Islamic law) and is committed to eradicating Christianity from Somalia. They’ve often killed Somali Christians on the spot. The dangers have increased over the years, as the militants have increasingly focused on finding and eliminating Christian leaders.

Persecution for Christians also comes from within their own families and communities. The culture itself is very religiously conservative. Being Muslim is a huge part of Somali identity, and to reject this is seen as a major betrayal that affects the whole family.

Even a suspicion that you might have converted from Islam to Christianity can put your life in great danger from your community. You could face house arrest, forced marriage, forced Islamic rituals or even threats to your life. These factors make Somalia one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a
Christian.

Meet

It’s too dangerous for any Somalian believer to share a quote.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors supports Somali believers across the Horn of Africa through discipleship training and by equipping them to cope with severe persecution.