*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
Somalia (click here to view a satellite map)
Somalia, East Africa
Population: 8,591,629
Christians: <1%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 4th
Political Leader: President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed
Religious Freedom in Constitution: N/A
Since 1991, when the sitting President was overthrown, Somalia has been without a central government. Rival warlords have plunged the country into a state of lawlessness and warfare. Numerous attempts aimed at creating central government have failed in the intervening years, with various leaders proclaiming territorial autonomy in the process. The northwest part of Somalia has declared itself the Republic of Somaliland and to the North East, Puntland has established a parliament and regional government. In January 2005, an interim government was set up for this majority Sunni Muslim. There is no constitution and no legal provision for the protection of religious freedom. In fact, persecution is so severe that ethnic Somali Christians and churches have been driven deeply underground. Over the last few years there have been numerous reports of Christians being martyred.
Prayer Points
 |
Pray for the interim President as he seeks to unite the nation and build up the country’s infrastructure. |
|
Pray that the various factions would give up war and strive for a peaceful solution. |
|
Please pray for Christians in Somalia to know God’s protection, comfort, and encouragement in the midst of the lawlessness and isolation. |
Heavenly Father, we read in Your Word that You are not a God of disorder but of order. We pray that a just and sound government would be restored to the nation of Somalia. We pray especially for the interim President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, that You would show him the path to peace for his country. Please give Your people all they need for every circumstance according to Your unfailing love and grace. Amen. |
