Civilian deaths in Somalia in 2022 increased 60% over the previous year, showing an escalation in the Al Shabab jihad, which is aimed at “ridding Somalia of foreign forces, portrayed as Christians, and implementing the Sharia.”

The Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors also states that Somali “imams in mosques and madrassas state publicly that there is no room for Christianity, Christians or churches” in the country.

News of global Christian persecution and the persecution of other minorities is drowned out by screams of “Islamophobia.”

“Roadside Explosion Kills at Least Six in Somalia,” by Harun Maruf, VOA, August 09, 2023:

At least six people were killed and 12 others were injured when a roadside explosion hit a minibus in southern Somalia on Wednesday morning, the local governor says.

Mohamed Ibrahim Barre, the governor of the Lower Shabelle region, told VOA Somali that the minibus was travelling between Marka and Qoryoley towns. All the victims were civilians, including women and children, Barre said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but Barre blamed the al-Shabab militant group.

Al-Shabab frequently carries out attacks against Somali government and African Union forces in the region. Roadside explosions are some of al-Shabab’s deadliest weapons in the country.

Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia Kiki Gbeho told the U.N. Security Council earlier this year that al-Shabaab continues to pose a serious threat to peace and security in Somalia.

“The year 2022 was the deadliest for civilians since 2017, with 60 percent increase in civilian casualties as compared to 2021,” she said in her statement during a briefing about Somalia.