about
Somalia
Since the civil war in 1991 and the withdrawal of the United Nations in 1995 Somalia is in complete anarchy. In the north the situation is considerably better. The part declared independence in 1991, but is not internationally recognised. A transitional government has been struggling to gain authority in the country since being established in 2004.
Islam is the official religion and Shariah Law is applied everywhere, often by self-appointed judges. Whippings are administered, hands chopped off and people stoned.
Less than one percent of ethnic Somalis are Christian, practicing their faith in secret. In some parts of Somalia, underground Christians from a Muslim background found themselves in a worse situation the last year or so. Five of these believeers were killed by extremists. As a result, many others became afraid and fled to Kenya and other parts of the world. One encouragement is that sometimes a Christian radio station receives a letter from Somalia from a listener who writes that he/she is, or wants to become, a follower of Jesus.