Threats to Religious Freedom in Somalia

Threats to Religious Freedom in Somalia

Washington, DC - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Somalia:  

Religious Freedom in Somalia - In 2026, the Federal Republic of Somalia faces ongoing challenges to religious freedom as the insurgent group al-Shabaab expands across the country, wielding its violent religious ideology against converts to Christianity and dissenting Muslims. This publication outlines major issues affecting freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Somalia, including the breakaway states of Somaliland and Puntland.

In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the United States redesignate al-Shabaab as an Entity of Particular Concern (EPC) for its particularly severe violations of religious freedom. USCIRF's 2023 Factsheet on Religious Freedom in the Horn of Africa highlighted these and other ongoing threats to freedom of religion or belief in Somalia.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].