Somali Government Bans Christmas Celebrations
The Somali government has announced a ban on Christmas celebrations in the country, stating that such festivities threaten the faith and beliefs of Muslims.
A Somali Ministry of Religious Affairs official said that these celebrations have nothing to do with Islam whatsoever.
Somali security forces have been ordered to remain vigilant and prevent any gatherings held for this occasion.
Foreign residents in Somalia are allowed to celebrate in their homes, but hotels and other public places in Somalia are prohibited from holding any such celebrations.
Mohamed Kheyrow, a senior official at the Somali Ministry of Justice and Religious Affairs, said that it is wrong for Somali Muslims to celebrate Christmas, and doing so means abandoning religious principles and values.
Journalists say that Somalia’s situation has been improving after years of civil war, and large numbers of Somali expatriates are returning to their country, with some bringing Western customs and culture with them.
