Mogadishu (SONNA):– Communiqué of the 3rd Somali Scholars’ Conference
The 3rd Somali Scholars’ Conference, organized annually by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia and supported each year by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, convened in Mogadishu with the participation of Somali scholars and intellectuals from inside and outside the country.
The conference presented various research papers analyzing the main theme, “Social Cohesion and Stability… Pillars and Challenges,” guided by the Qur’anic verse:
(لَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ)
“Do not be divided, lest you fail and your strength departs.”
Discussions focused on strengthening social unity and consolidating national stability, including safeguarding Islamic values, promoting social harmony, reconciliation and conflict resolution, strengthening good governance, countering extremism, and advancing the welfare of the Somali people.
At the conclusion of the conference, Somali scholars issued the following communiqué:
Unity and Cohesion of the Nation
- Islamic principles and their correct understanding must guide society to prevent extremist ideologies and actions.
- The Somali people are urged to unite in addressing threats to political unity and social cohesion, including clan conflict, tribalism, extremism, and foreign interference.
- The scholars express deep concern over renewed clan clashes in parts of the country and the resulting atrocities—such as targeting women and children, burning people alive, mutilation, and public display of such acts—which contradict Islamic teachings and Somali cultural values.
- The conference calls on the Federal Government to implement a sustainable mechanism to prevent and resolve recurring clan conflicts. Elders, intellectuals, civil society, and all sectors of society are urged to contribute to peacebuilding, unity, and national development.
- The scholars warn against trafficking and misuse of narcotics and strongly caution those spreading harmful content on social media, urging them to repent. They also call on the government to take firm action.
- Leaders and politicians are urged to prioritize the national interest and resolve differences through dialogue to prevent exploitation by hostile actors.
Combating Al-Shabaab Militants
- The scholars reaffirm that Al-Shabaab militants are the Khawarij, the primary threat to peace, unity, and the stability of the Somali nation, and that defeating them requires a unified national effort.
- The Somali people are reminded that it is a religious duty to unite against Al-Shabaab, who have violated the blood, dignity, and property of civilians.
- Supporting Al-Shabaab in any form—militarily, financially, or ideologically—is strictly forbidden. Members of the group are urged to repent and cease shedding innocent Somali blood.
Strengthening Good Governance
- The conference calls for strengthening good governance, enhancing government institutions, combating corruption, promoting economic development, creating job opportunities, and addressing poverty and irregular migration.
- The scholars fully support the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in developing the national Zakat registry and strengthening the Awqaaf system.
- The two Houses of the Federal Parliament are urged to pass the Bill Establishing the Supreme Council of Somali Scholars and the Zakat Registry Bill, both previously approved by the Cabinet.
- The conference expresses strong support for the Federal Government’s position standing with the brotherly nations of Sudan and Palestine, particularly in defending their territorial integrity, political independence, and internationally recognized rights.
- In light of ongoing drought and low rainfall in some regions, the scholars call on the government and the Somali people to turn to Allah, perform the prayer for rain, and increase mutual support and assistance at home and abroad.
The conference extends its gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, for his continued support and patronage of the Scholars’ Conference organized by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs.
May Allah grant Somalia peace, unity, and prosperity.
