Somalia 1
July 17th

“The Lord will have mercy on Somalia and call them ‘My people.’”

I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”(Hosea 2:23,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 15.89 million
Area | 637,657㎢, located in the Horn of Africa.
Capital City | Mogadishu (2.5 million people)
People Groups | Total 22 Groups, Somali 76.4%, Rahanweyn 12.8%, Somali Bantu 4.9%, Swahili 1.7%
Unreached People Groups | 20 (99.9% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Somali, Arabic
Total Languages | 19
Bible Translations | Completed 6, New Testament 1, Partial 5
Religion | Christianity 0.3% (Protestant 0.01%, Anglican 0.2%), Islam 99.6% Evangelical 0.01% (1,200 people)

》 About Somalia

Somalia has been inhabited since ancient times and historically served as a center of maritime trade. Islam was introduced around the 7th century, leading to the formation of various Islamic kingdoms and sultanates throughout the Middle Ages. In the late 19th century, Somalia was divided into British, Italian, and French colonies due to European colonial competition. After World War II, these territories gained independence, and in 1960, they united to form the Republic of Somalia. In 1969, Siyad Barre seized power in a military coup and established a communist dictatorship. However, after losing a border war with Ethiopia, the country fell into economic devastation. In 1991, anti-government forces overthrew the regime, but continuous civil war and the rise of Islamic militant groups plunged Somalia into anarchy, resulting in hundreds of thousands of refugees. With international intervention, a transitional government was established in 2000. In 2012, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected president and was re-elected in May 2022. However, government control remains weak, and Somalia continues to suffer from civil conflict, political instability, and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Somalia’s economy is primarily agriculture-based, with key crops including bananas, corn, sorghum, and sesame. Livestock farming is also a crucial economic activity. However, persistent drought and political instability have made agricultural production nearly impossible, and livestock herds have suffered heavy losses. The country’s strategic location and long coastline provide opportunities for maritime trade and fishing, but piracy and security concerns hinder economic development. Despite its vast economic potential, Somalia remains heavily dependent on international aid, which is essential for various sectors. However, the ongoing internal instability limits the effectiveness and reach of this assistance. Efforts to stabilize and rebuild Somalia continue, but the country faces immense economic and humanitarian challenges.
Somalia’s GDP per capita is approximately $592.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. In Somalia, where the vast majority of the population is Muslim, conversion to Christianity is considered nearly impossible. There are believed to be fewer than a thousand Somali Christians, most of whom have fled the country to escape persecution. Those who remain must attend mosques or hide their Bibles to protect their lives. In recent years, all missionary organizations and Christian relief groups have been expelled from Somalia, leaving local believers isolated and vulnerable.
Let us pray for the few remaining Christians in Somalia, that they may cling to the promise of God, who turns the Valley of Trouble into a door of hope. May they endure with unwavering faith, and may the living hope of Christ spread throughout Somalia. Let us also pray that the gospel will reach Somali believers through shortwave radio broadcasts, social media, and digital platforms, strengthening their faith and uniting them in truth, despite their dispersion.

2. Somalia remains one of the most religiously sensitive and hostile countries toward Christianity. Due to the ongoing civil war and violent armed conflicts, direct missionary work inside Somalia is nearly impossible. However, many Somalis have fled as refugees, creating new opportunities for evangelism and ministry abroad.
Let us give thanks for missionary organizations such as Frontiers, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Refugee Highway Partnership (RHP), along with local churches and Christian non-profits, which are ministering to Somali refugees. Let us pray that Somalis who have sought refuge overseas will encounter the mercy of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ and experience true comfort and hope. May they be transformed into devoted witnesses of Christ, surrendering themselves completely to the amazing love of the Lord.

3. In 2016, the full Somali Bible (Old and New Testaments) was published, providing a crucial resource for evangelism. However, because the Bible is illegal in Somalia, its distribution and possession are highly dangerous. Currently, Bibles, digital versions, and audio recordings are primarily distributed among Somali refugees and immigrants abroad. However, there are still significant challenges and risks in bringing the Bible to Somali speakers, requiring constant prayer.
Let us also pray that the gospel will reach Somalia’s diverse ethnic groups, including the Dir and Hawiye Somalis in the north, the Rahanweyn Somalis in the south, the Somali Bantu, and the Swahili Barawani people. May God open the way for His Word to reach them and govern all situations in Somalia, so that its people may come to know Him and receive His salvation.

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