Scholars Urge Somali Unity, Collective Action Against Extremism

By Dawan Africa - Reporter

Somalia, 29 November 2025 – The Somali Scholars’ Conference concluded its sessions in Mogadishu with a call for strengthened national unity, social cohesion and confronting extremist groups threatening the country’s stability.

The third Conference was held from 24 to 27 November, organized by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and the Union of Somali Scholars’ Councils, with support from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Scholars and researchers from Somalia and abroad participated in the conference, which convened under the theme ‘Unity and Stability of Society: Foundations and Challenges’.

Discussions focused on Islamic values, national reconciliation, countering extremist ideology, and strengthening good governance.

A final statement issued at the end of the meeting, urged Somali society to unite in tackling challenges threatening the social fabric, particularly clan clashes, extremism, and external interference.

The scholars expressed deep concern over renewed conflicts among certain clans, condemning the accompanying violent acts such as burning and mutilation, noting that such practices contradict Islamic teachings and Somali cultural values.

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The statement also called on the Federal Government to develop effective mechanisms to contain recurring conflicts and encouraged clan elders, intellectuals, and civil society groups to play a stronger role in supporting national reconciliation efforts.

The scholars reiterated that Al-Shabaab, Daesh, and similar groups pose a direct threat to Somalia’s unity and stability, stressing that confronting these groups is a religious obligation and that any form of support to them is strictly forbidden. They urged members of these groups to repent and cease attacks on civilians.

The conference further emphasized the importance of enhancing good governance, strengthening state institutions, combating corruption, and expanding job opportunities as key pillars of stability. The scholars also urged the Federal Parliament to expedite the approval of the pending Bills establishing the Supreme Council of Somali Scholars and the National Zakat Registry.

The statement additionally expressed support for the Somali government’s solidarity with Sudan and Palestine, and called on citizens to perform rain-seeking prayers due to delayed rainfall in several regions.

At the close of the conference, the scholars extended their gratitude to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for his sponsorship and to the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs for hosting the event for the third consecutive year.

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