Hostile
Djibouti
Djibouti is mainland Africa’s third-smallest nation. It is dominated by two majority-Muslim groups, the Afar and the Somali, and is nearly surrounded by parts of neighboring countries that serve as safe havens for Islamic terrorists. Despite this, Djibouti itself is not dominated by extremists. The capital hosts many foreigners, and international aid groups operate freely out of the country. Even though Islam is the official state religion, the rights of Christians are generally respected, Bibles are legally available, and there is no law preventing Muslims from converting. Still, Djibouti seeks to maintain its Muslim identity, and Christian organizations are not allowed to officially register.
Major Religion
98 percent of Djiboutians are Sunni Muslims. 1 percent are Christians.
Persecutor
Christian converts from Islam may experience government oppression, but most persecution comes from families and local Muslim communities.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN DJIBOUTI
The government tries to limit the spread of Christianity and the growth of churches by prohibiting public meetings and the construction of buildings for Christian activities. The only churches allowed to worship openly are French Protestant, Roman Catholic and Ethiopian Orthodox. Foreigners are granted personal religious freedom, but evangelism and the discipleship of new believers are discouraged. Muslims who express an interest in Christ face the risk of persecution from family and friends, and those who convert are isolated, beaten and sometimes killed for abandoning Islam.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are available, but owning one in some communities comes with the risk of government harassment or violence at the hands of Muslim family members and the Muslim community. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM supports Christians who are persecuted because of their faith. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Djibouti
- Pray that the gospel will advance despite the government prohibiting public Christian events and new church buildings.
- This country is home to thousands of refugees from Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen. Pray many will hear the gospel.
- Pray for rejected converts like Moussa, a former Muslim whose daughter was miraculously healed when Christians prayed.
- Converts to Christianity can be ostracized, attacked and even killed by family members. Pray that they are strengthened.
- Pray for foreigners who have personal religious freedom but cannot evangelize and disciple others freely.
