What’s Life Like For Christians?
Somalia is a majority Muslim nation and society expects all Somalis to be Muslim. The violent insurgent group al Shabaab has repeatedly expressed its desire to eradicate Christians from the country. Christians from Muslim backgrounds are regarded as high-value targets and may be killed on the spot if discovered.
Christians also face serious persecution from their family and community. Leaving Islam is regarded as a betrayal of the family and clan, and family members and clan leaders will harass, intimidate, and
even kill Somali converts.
Anyone suspected of being a Christian convert is closely monitored. ‘Church life’ is simply not possible, so the few believers must meet in secret. Islamic extremists have intensified their hunt for Christian leaders.