Somalia's PM Comment on Somali Identity Draws Scrutiny

These provisions highlight that Islam forms both a legal and social foundation of the Somali state. However, the constitution does not explicitly state that being Somali is conditional upon being Muslim.

The amended constitution further reinforce these principles without altering the original provisions. Similar to the 2012 constitution, there is no article that directly links Somali identity to an individual’s religion.

In this context, the Prime Minister’s statement that “a person who is not Muslim is not Somali” reflects a political perspective rooted in the reality that Somali society is overwhelmingly Muslim. It is widely believed that nearly 100 per cent of the population adheres to Islam, although in recent years, some individuals have emerged identifying as Somali while practicing other religions.

Somalia remains a country where Islam is central both legally and socially, and the constitution strongly protects its role.

The Prime Minister’s remarks have reignited a broader discussion about national identity—highlighting the distinction between Somalia’s constitutional framework, which establishes Islam as the official religion, and the absence of a legal requirement tying Somali identity strictly to religious affiliation.