“The LORD’s compassion toward Somalia is burning like a fire”
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.(Hosea 11:8,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 endured 12 droughts over the past 30 years, leading to severe famine and hunger. The prolonged drought since 2020 has devastated agriculture and livestock, which are the primary sources of livelihood for many Somalis. As a result, millions of people suffer from malnutrition and water shortages, with the crisis worsening each year. Since 1990, Somalia has been plagued by civil war and political instability, which have collapsed the country’s infrastructure and crippled its economy. Although international aid efforts have been made, ongoing armed conflicts and political turmoil have prevented any lasting improvements. The human rights situation is also dire, particularly for children and women. Children are forcibly recruited as child soldiers, while women endure sexual violence and harmful cultural practices. The Somali piracy crisis emerged following the collapse of the government and the breakdown of law and order. Many local fishermen, whose livelihoods were threatened by illegal foreign fishing and toxic waste dumping, turned to piracy as a means of survival. Despite international interventions, this issue remains unresolved. Overall, Somalia faces a complex web of crises, including drought, civil war, political instability, human rights violations, and piracy, all of which have had devastating effects on the nation’s economy and society. The country continues to struggle under these challenges, requiring urgent and sustained efforts for peace, stability, and recovery.
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
| Hosea 11:7-11(NIV) 7 My people are determined to turn from me. Even though they call me God Most High, I will by no means exalt them. 8 “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. 9 I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man— the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities. 10 They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. 11 They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows, from Assyria, fluttering like doves. I will settle them in their homes,” declares the LORD. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Al-Shabaab, meaning “youth” in Arabic, is a violent militant group that has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda. For over a decade, they have pursued their goal of turning Somalia into an Islamic fundamentalist state through brutal violence, terrorism, and oppression. Today, they function as a powerful anti-government force, controlling various territories and inflicting severe humanitarian, economic, and social devastation.
Let us pray that Al-Shabaab’s oppressive rule will be broken, that its members will abandon their false beliefs and evil actions, and that they will turn to God in repentance. May those who are trapped in sin and radical ideology find true salvation through the gospel of the cross, where God’s mercy is greater than even the gravest sins.
2. Women in Somalia face immense dangers due to widespread violence, crime, and social instability. Sexual violence, drug abuse, and forced marriages have surged, leaving women and girls especially vulnerable. More than 40% of street children have used drugs, and about 20% of them are young girls. Additionally, female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply ingrained practice, causing severe health complications, trauma, and even death. Many young girls are forced into early marriages, losing their childhood and future opportunities. With no proper institutions or programs to support them, and with an ongoing civil war, the situation shows no signs of improvement.
Let us pray that God’s word and compassionate intervention will rescue these women and children from their suffering, providing them safe homes, healing, and a renewed hope to serve the Lord.
3. The next generation of Somalia is suffering deeply, facing chronic malnutrition, disease, and extreme poverty due to the ongoing famine. With poor healthcare, severe food and water shortages, and limited medical services, many children do not survive beyond infancy. In addition to these hardships, armed groups are forcibly recruiting children, using them as human shields, informants, and even suicide bombers. Many children grow up in violence, separated from their parents and denied access to proper education and emotional stability.
Let us pray that God’s powerful voice, like the roar of a lion, will reach their hearts, guiding them to follow Christ. May these children rise up as a generation of faith and hope, offering themselves as instruments of righteousness, leading Somalia toward peace, healing, and the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
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