Sadly, there is nothing whatever to smile about here. From a population of over 16 million, it’s estimated that there are only a few hundred Christians in Somalia.

It is impossible to publicly admit your Christian faith in Somalia, and ‘church life’ is non-existent. Islam is considered a crucial part of Somali identity, and if any Somali is suspected of having converted to Christianity, they are in great danger. Members of their family, clan or community will harass, intimidate or even kill them. Women may be raped and forcibly married.

Christians are also in danger from al-Shabaab, a violent group that advocates Sharia (Islamic law) as the basis for regulating all aspects of life. Christians from a Muslim background are considered a ‘high-value target’ by al-Shabaab, who have often executed believers on the spot, when discovered.

If a Christian man is killed or abducted, his whole family suffers, as the man will almost always be the breadwinner. Remaining family members are left unprotected and seen as a stain on the community.