Somalia (Somaliland): Somali Christians forced to flee Hargeisa

Christians in Somalia face severe persecution at the hands of extremists. According to a report by Morning Star (31 August 2015), a convert in Somaliland fled to Ethiopia to avoid capture by extremists, leaving his wife and four children. The report also states that another convert escaped kidnappers after having fingers cut off during his interrogation.‚  In an interview with Morning Star he said: "My association with a visiting white missionary landed me in trouble. I feel sad because I cannot see my family, because if I return to Somaliland, then the government will arrest me. I am not sure what will happen to my wife and four children. I am praying that God will provide for their basic needs. Pray for me that one day I will see them." Ashagrie, persecution analyst for World Watch Research, says: "The persecution of Christians in Somaliland, a self-declared republic, which is considered by many to be relatively stable and having a good human rights record, is very severe. Islamic religious leaders and others believe and are determined that there is no room for Christianity, Christians and churches in Somali society.‚  This view is clearly expressed in the constitution and laws of Somaliland, Somalia and Puntland where Islam is afforded the status of state religion.‚  Extremists either in the form of al-Shabaab or other radical Muslims often conduct surveillance and house to house searches for Christians. As the structure of Somali society is a synergy of Islam, tribe and family, any news about a conversion of a Somali citizen would be seen as betrayal of the family, country and Islam and hence converts have to hide their conversion to Christianity from everyone, even from their immediate and extended family."‚  Ashagrie concludes: "Only the lucky ones can manage to pull off this kind of escape from the country to either Ethiopia or Kenya once discovered. The news about the two converts is a testament to the difficulties that Christians face in Somalia."