Djibouti
Overview
Djibouti is mainland Africa’s third smallest nation. It is dominated by two majority-Muslim groups, the Afar and 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 Religions
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
The government tries to limit the spread of Christianity and the growth of evangelical 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.
VOM Work
VOM supports believers who are persecuted because of their faith.