While some argue that there is a war against Christmas going on in the United States, Somalia's government is trying to prevent Christmas from causing one and has banned the holiday altogether, arguing that holiday festivities pose a threat to the nation's Muslim faith and could encourage Islamist attacks.
"All events related to Christmas and New Year celebrations are contrary to Islamic culture, which could damage the faith of the Muslim community," the director general of the religious affairs ministry said Tuesday, according to AFP.
Security agencies have been directed to stay alert and are ordered to break up any Christmas-related celebrations or gatherings. "There should be no activity at all," Sheikh Mohamed Khayrow said.
The announcement comes as fears of a Christmas attack at the hands of Islamist militant group al Shabaab continue to mount. Until 2011, the militant group had control of Mogadishu, reported Reuters. During its reign, one of its edicts was to ban Christmas celebrations.
Last year, the group launched a Christmas attack on an African Union military base in Mogadishu, killing at least three peacekeepers and a civilian.
Foreigners, aid workers and soldiers at UN compounds and bases for African Union peacekeepers will be allowed to hold private parties, according to the BBC.
Somalia is now at least the second the Muslim country to ban the holiday. Earlier this week, the sultan of Brunei also banned such celebrations, saying they could damage the beliefs of the Muslim community.
