Somali President Meets Religious Scholars, Hails Their Governance Guidance and Anti-Extremism Efforts

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday hosted a dinner in Mogadishu honoring religious scholars who attended the 3rd Somali Scholars Conference, underscoring a deepening partnership between the government and faith leaders to counter extremist ideologies, bolster public awareness and strengthen national unity.

In remarks at the event, Mohamud praised the scholars’ longstanding role in Somali society and governance, saying their guidance, advice and moral leadership remain essential as the country confronts social and security challenges. He emphasized that the relationship is active and institutional, noting that, for the first time, the Somali National Army has integrated a number of scholars to help educate troops on ethical conduct and to discourage harmful practices.

The president welcomed the recommendations issued at the conclusion of the 3rd Somali Scholars Conference earlier Thursday, framing them as contributions that can enhance governance, protect Islamic values and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. He did not publicly detail the recommendations but said the government’s cooperation with scholars would continue as part of an ongoing effort to consolidate peace and cohesion.

The dinner capped a day that placed Somali religious leaders at the heart of the national conversation. By formally recognizing the conference and its participants, the presidency signaled an intent to anchor elements of policy and public communication in the moral authority scholars hold with communities across the country.

Somali officials have increasingly called on clerics and educators to lead outreach that promotes social responsibility, condemns violence against civilians and supports community resilience. The government’s move to bring scholars into the Somali National Army’s training and advisory circuits is designed to translate those messages into daily practice within the ranks, where ethical guidance can shape conduct and help align security operations with public expectations.

While Thursday’s statements focused on broad principles, the approach reflects a wider governance strategy: partnering with trusted local voices to counter misinformation, reduce the appeal of extremist narratives and encourage civic participation. By elevating conference outcomes, Mohamud placed religious scholarship alongside legal and administrative reform as a pillar of state-building.

The scholars’ recommendations, though not publicly enumerated at the dinner, were presented as actionable ideas to improve how institutions engage citizens, safeguard religious values and prevent ideological exploitation. Attendees characterized the exchange as part of a continuing dialogue rather than a one-off consultative event.

Thursday’s gathering also aimed to consolidate a message of unity — that religious leaders, state institutions and communities share responsibility for shaping Somalia’s social and moral fabric. Administration officials highlighted collaboration in public awareness campaigns and community-level initiatives as areas where scholars’ influence can help turn national goals into tangible outcomes.

The president’s office framed the event as both recognition and invitation: recognition of what scholars are already doing in classrooms, mosques and media; and an invitation to deepen joint work that links ethical guidance with everyday governance and security practice. As the government takes up the conference’s recommendations, officials said the administration intends to keep scholars close to policy conversations that touch on values, social cohesion and the rule of law.

The 3rd Somali Scholars Conference concluded earlier Thursday in Mogadishu.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.