Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised religious scholars as essential for national stability, particularly in combating extremism. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among the government, clergy, and public, especially during a crackdown on Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants. The President called for increased leadership from religious scholars in guiding society and endorsed their recommendations for reinforcing state institutions against extremist ideologies.
On Sunday, during an Iftar dinner at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized the crucial role of religious scholars in fostering national cohesion and stability. He declared that strong connections between the government, clergy, and public are essential for the country’s endurance, especially given Somalia’s struggles with instability over the past three decades.
The President acknowledged the significant contributions of religious leaders in raising public awareness, promoting reconciliation, and enhancing national stability. This meeting occurred amidst a heightened crackdown on extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS, highlighting the scholars’ efforts in countering extremist ideologies and militant propaganda, as reported by state media.
Mohamud reaffirmed the importance of religious scholars as pillars of governance and national development, encouraging them to take a leadership role in guiding society and aiding government initiatives to promote peace and combat extremism. Moreover, religious leaders provided valuable recommendations for strengthening state institutions and countering extremist misinformation.
Last week, President Hassan Sheikh articulated his administration’s steadfast commitment to eradicating violent extremist groups from Somalia, vowing to support those engaged in these efforts. He expressed determination, stating, “We are committed to unite in the fight against al-Shabab terrorists and to uproot them from our country.” Mukhtar Robow, the Minister of Religious Endowments, added that, “Mogadishu is not Kabul or Damascus and the al-Shabab are not as strong as they claim. All we need to do is to unite against them.”
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has underscored the indispensable role of religious scholars in fostering stability and combating extremism in Somalia. Their partnerships with the government and the community are vital for promoting national unity and resilience. With an ongoing commitment to defeat extremist groups, the administration aims to support collaborative efforts to enhance peace in the nation.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
