Catholic Church in Somaliland

The Holy See, in line with all other UN member states, does not recognize the independence of Somaliland, favouring a peaceful solution of unity for all of Somalia.

While Ethiopia has an ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church and native Christianity for nearly 1800 years, ethnic Somalis did not convert in great numbers.

[4] The reopening ceremony of the Church of Saint Antonio of Lisbon was held on the 29 July in the presence of expatriates and ministers.

[4] A few days after the opening, Religious Affairs Minister Khalil Abdullah Ahmad made a statement saying that the reopening of the church "has caused a lot of division" which was counter to the nation's interest.

He also stated that the government would keep the church closed as has been for decades to "respect the wishes of the people", further asserting that Islamic law allows foreigners to work in Somaliland and "practice their religious rituals in private".