ICC Note:

The oldest church in Hargesia, Somaliland was told on Sunday, that it would be allowed to open after three decades of being closed. This decision was almost immediately reversed when the majority Muslim population said that they did not want anyone, even foreigners to be able to practice Christianity in Somaliland. Somaliland is an autonomous state of Somalia that has been trying to get their independence for since they declared separation in 1991.They have proven to be a more stable government than the central government in Somalia which has been struggling with terrorism and fighting for many years. Somaliland is also an Islamic State and sees no reason in which to allow other religions freedom. 

08/04/2017 Somalia (TheNational) – The Government of the Republic of Somaliland on Thursday reversed its previous decision to allow the reopening of a historic Catholic Church in Hargesia due to pressure from the public.

Somaliland’s eligous Affairs Minister, Sheikh Khalil Abdullahi Ahmed, announced the decision in a press conference, citing pressure from the public and the nation’s religious leaders as the main reason.

“This issue has created a lot of division among Somalilanders, which is not in our national interest,” Sheikh Khalil said.

“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has decided to respect the wishes of its people and keep the church closed, as it has been for the past 30 years,” Sheikh Khalil said.

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