The Somali Government issued a directive that effectively banned Christmas celebrations in the country. Several news agencies reported that the Ministry of Justice and Religious Affairs issued the order stated that no Christian festivities can be held in Somalia.
Sheikh Mohammed Khayrow Aden, director general of the ministry, along with Sheikh Ali Dhere, director of Religious Matters, announced the decision in a press conference held in the capital of Mogadishu.
“We alert fellow Muslims in Somalia that some festivities to mark Christian Days will take place around the world in this week,” Sheikh Ali Dhere said during the press conference. “It is prohibited to celebrate those days in this country.”
Sheik Aden announced that law enforcement agencies were instructed to enforce the directive if any celebrations were held. The directive was also sent to hotels and meetings places spread across Mogadishu.
According to Ghanaweb news agency, this is the first time that the Somali government has banned Christian celebrations in the country’s tumultuous history.
