Somalia, on the ‘horn’ of Africa, disintegrated into a number of autonomous regions in 1991. The north is relatively stable whilst the south has a high degree of conflict, corruption and war-lording.

Warlords fight for control of pockets of land, selling drugs and weapons .

A two-year UN humanitarian effort was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored and aid could not be continued.

Nearly a million people in the countries are displaced: either internal refugees, or refugees from Ethiopia.

Somalia's largely nomadic population continue to deal in livestock and surprisingly the nations service sector, telecommunications and hotel sectors have grown, protected within the cities by militia.

The country has an entirely Muslim population and in some areas Shari'a law is implemented. Church properties were nationalized and missionaries expelled in the 1970s. Existing churches are permitted by the government so long as do not evangelize Muslims.

Somalia has a young population; over 3.4 million of its 7.2 million people are under the age of 15. Life expectancy is 49 years. All Muslim children, by law have to attend Islam classes in school, even if in private Christian missionary schools.

Somalia has a high infant mortality at 114.89 deaths for 1,000 live births.

Somaliland in the north-west has been able to stabilise the region and restore order.

As Christians immigrate out, Christianity is projected to slide from 2% of the population in mid-1995 to 0.7% of the population in 2025.

Somalis are desperate for peace please pray that peace would come and that God would be glorified in it.

Although the majority of the population are Muslim, the greed and fighting between Islamic groups has contributed to the civil war. Some people are turning to more radical Islamic groups but many are totally disillusioned with Islam. Pray that they would find Jesus and find a real, dynamic and consistent faith.

Pray for the protection and safety of those delivering vital food aid and medical care.

The Somali church has been driven totally underground; some leaders have been named on a hit list for execution. Pray that God would protect them and that they would remain strong in their faith.