Thursday July 16, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Upper House has called on Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali to answer questions about his ministry’s work, including its handling of arrangements for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
In a letter issued Thursday, the Upper House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Religious Affairs and Endowments, Human Rights, Women and Children said the summons falls within Parliament’s constitutional duty to oversee executive institutions.
The committee said Robow is expected to address matters concerning the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and provide information it considers necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
“We want the minister to answer questions related to the activities of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, and to provide details on issues that the committee deems important for the fulfillment of its mandate,” the committee said.
The letter said the hearing will take place at the Upper House headquarters, with both parties to agree on the date and time.
Committee members said the appearance will take the form of a question-and-answer session, reflecting Parliament’s responsibility to ensure government accountability and oversight.
The summons came from the office of committee chairperson Senator Nacima Hassan Haji Mohamud, with a copy sent to the speaker of the Upper House.
The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs is responsible for coordinating logistics and welfare services for Somali pilgrims attending the yearly Hajj pilgrimage.
Since Robow took charge, the ministry has pursued administrative reforms intended to make Hajj operations more efficient and transparent.
Most of the committee’s inquiries are expected to center on the ministry’s administration of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
