SOMALIA & SOMALILAND

COLONISED BY BRITAIN & ITALY (1884 -1960) Somalia is the Eastern most Country on mainland Africa, situated at the tip of the Horn of Africa. SLAVERY in Somalia existed as a part of the East African slave trade. The arrival of European Colonists in the late 19th Century led to the division of Somalia between Britain and Italy. They established the colonies of British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland in 1884 and 1889, respectively. These two Somali lands eventually united and gained independence in July 1960, but the elected government was overthrown just a few years later and an autocratic regime was established. Following the merger of British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland, concerns that Somaliland was being marginalized surfaced, prompting Somaliland to seek its independence from Somalia in 1991. The international community is still reluctant to recognise Somaliland’s independence from Somalia.

The southern part of Somalia, called Puntland, has been overrun with civil war, violence, and clan leaders craving power. The economic, social, and physical health of the nation is in a terrible state after years of war and neglect. Somalia has the lowest health budget of any nation and the highest infant mortality rate. Surprisingly, Somalia has a stable economy that depends largely on livestock; nearly two-thirds of people in Somalia are livestock herders. The economy recovered from recession in 2020 to register estimated GDP growth of 2.0% in 2021, driven by private consumption and livestock exports. Multiple shocks including floods, locust invasions, and COVID- 19 curtailed the pace of recovery and increased poverty.

HOW DID CHRISTIANITY GET THERE? Christianity came to the coastal areas in the 7th century.

CHURCH TODAY: Christianity is a minority religion in Somalia (0.01%of the population). Most residents (99%) of Somalia are Muslims.

The Somali Church of minority Christians was driven underground during the Islamist uprising of 1991. Christians in Somalia practice their faith in secret under extremely dangerous conditions. It is strictly illegal to convert or evangelise. Christians are actively pursued, and when discovered they are immediately killed.

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray for deep healing, repentance, restitution and restoration for the wounds caused by slavery and colonialism.
• Pray for the secret Christian minority who suffer great persecution and martyrdom to be strengthened. Also for isolated believers to be kept safe daily and also while they fellowship.
• Pray for protection and effective ministry for aid workers, many of whom are Christian.
• Pray that Somalia’s rulers might learn from the past, govern for the good of the people, and respect human rights and religious freedom.
• Pray that those deceived by the enemy into committing terrorism might encounter Jesus who loves them and died on their behalf.
• Pray that the very small church of Somalia will fulfil Jesus’ prayer from John 17: to be one with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit.
• Pray for the healing, peace, order and stability of Somalia. For healing of the many women who have been raped, divorced and left by their husbands. For the many children who have been smuggled out of Somalia. For the medical needs of the people of Somalia.
• Ask the Lord to bless Somalia and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

WEEKLY WORLDWIDE MORAVIAN WATCHWORD

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.1 Corinthians 15:20

PRAYER

You are a God of miracles. You have given us Your Son Jesus to go before us and prepare the way for us. In Him You have offered us a new life to overcome the darkness that engulfs us. Raise us up with Him to a new life. Amen.