By Abukar Osman - Reporter
Mogadishu, 11 September 2026 - Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, has arrived in Somalia for his first-ever visit to the country, holding meetings with senior government officials and religious scholars in the capital, Mogadishu.
Al-Issa was received by Somalia's Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Mukhtar Robow, and Somalia's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Amin Sheikh Osman.
His visit is being seen as an opportunity to strengthen Somalia's relations with major institutions in the Muslim world, particularly the Muslim World League, and to expand cooperation on religious affairs, peacebuilding and social development.
Following his arrival, Al-Issa delivered a speech at Ali Ali Jimcaale Mosque in Mogadishu before taking part in a forum attended by Somali religious scholars.
The Somali Scholars' Forum brought together members of the Somali Council of Scholars and other prominent religious figures. Discussions focused on strengthening relations between Somalia and Saudi Arabia, as well as broader cooperation between Somalia and institutions across the Muslim world.
Sheikh Ali Mahmoud Hassan, widely known as Ali Wajiis, the secretary of the Somali Council of Scholars, said Somalia now needs greater support from Saudi Arabia as the country moves beyond the humanitarian crises of previous years and focuses increasingly on reconstruction.
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"We want the Saudi government to play a greater role in Somalia. Just as it previously responded to drought emergencies, Somalia has now moved beyond that stage and is entering a period of reconstruction," he said.
Al-Issa later held talks with the president of Somalia at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu.
According to the Somali presidency, the meeting focused on strengthening relations between Somalia and the Muslim World League, as well as efforts to counter extremist ideology. The discussions also addressed the promotion of peace, stability and social cohesion in Somalia.
The visit comes at a significant moment for Somalia, which is seeking to strengthen international partnerships as it focuses on rebuilding state institutions, promoting peace and advancing economic and social development.
For Somali religious leaders, Al-Issa's first visit represents more than a diplomatic engagement. It is also an opportunity to strengthen connections between Somalia's Islamic scholars and major religious institutions across the Muslim world.
The meetings in Mogadishu underline Somalia's efforts to position itself more firmly within the wider Muslim community, while seeking greater cooperation on issues ranging from religious affairs and education to peacebuilding, development and the fight against extremism.