religious

Makkah (AX) – In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, Somali Minister of Endorsements and Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, convened an important meeting on Sunday with Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, the esteemed President of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı). This important dialogue took place at the Turkish Hajj Affairs Office, nestled within the holy city of Makkah, a location imbued with profound spiritual significance for Muslims around the globe. Sheikh Robow…

Tragic Loss: The Assassination of Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ali Beledweyne (AX) — In an act that has left the community in shock, armed assailants took the life of Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ali, affectionately known as Dr. Gaalib, on a seemingly ordinary Monday night in Jowhar. According to reports from Somali authorities, this targeted assassination of a prominent regional official echoes a growing concern over violence aimed at civil servants and intellectuals in the region. The episode unfolded in the Hantiwadaag neighborhood, a quiet…

Introduction Recent developments have cast a spotlight on Nigeria as the U.S. Congress moves to impose potential sanctions. This decision, standing at the crossroads of international politics and human rights advocacy, stems from the escalating persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Is this merely another geopolitical maneuver, or a necessary stance against persistent acts of violence? The Hearing that Sparked a Decision It all began with a congressional hearing dedicated to assessing…

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Acknowledges Religious Scholars as Pillars of Stability in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia In an eloquent gathering over Iftar dinner, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reached out to religious scholars, lauding their indispensable contributions to nation-building and cementing Somalia's stability. The backdrop of the presidential palace seemed fitting for his heartfelt words, delivered on a Sunday that intertwined tradition with a modern state agenda. The president's message…

Garowe (AX) – In the heart of Northeastern State, religious leaders are raising a resonant call for unity among communities, urging them to rally behind the military efforts against ISIS insurgents entrenched in the rugged Al-Miskaat Mountains of the Bari region. The clerics passionately advocate for both financial and moral backing to fortify the Northeastern State of Somalia Army's resolve and bolster their strength against an elusive adversary. Reflecting on a recent sermon, Sheikh Mohamud Haji Yusuf spoke fervently…

Iqra Ismail, the former leader of Somalia’s women's squad in 2019, was barred from participating due to her choice of attire aligning with her spiritual convictions. (Instagram: coachiqra) LONDON, UK (AX) — A heartfelt apology has been issued by the Football Association of England to Iqra Ismail, a British-Somali footballer, after she was denied the chance to play in a Greater London Women’s Football League (GLWFL) match. The reason? Her decision to don tracksuit bottoms instead of the league-mandated shorts, as a reflection…

Religious Leaders Urge Peace Amid Tensions Between Somalia and Ethiopia MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the wake of escalating tensions, religious figures convened in Mogadishu, calling for tranquility and denouncing the controversial pact forged between Ethiopia and Somaliland. They assert that this agreement threatens Somalia’s territorial integrity and violates international law. The scholars emphasized the necessity of safeguarding Somalia's sovereignty. They urged the populace to unite and remain calm, highlighting that…

Somali Clerics Criticize Ethiopia's Pact with Somaliland, Advocate for Stronger Egyptian Relations Mogadishu (AX) — A cadre of influential Somali religious leaders has vociferously denounced Ethiopia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the self-declared North Western of Somaliaregion. They have also expressed resounding support for Somalia’s burgeoning ties with Egypt. Convening on a Sunday in Mogadishu, these clerics characterized Ethiopia’s actions as aggressive, rallying for a cohesive front to contest this…

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Christophe Mboso Nkodia, President of the National Assembly, received representatives of religious communities in Kinshasa on Tuesday, August 17, to expedite the appointment of the future president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). as reported from Kinshasa, Patient…

The submission of candidacies to the Election Commission would end on Wednesday. The majority, the opposition and civil society were called upon to make their choices known, which then had to be validated by a joint committee of the National Assembly, the majority opposition. But there are a number of blockages and the president of the National Assembly has granted another 48 hours for religious…