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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday hosted a dinner in Mogadishu to honour the Somali religious scholars who had gathered for the 3rd Somali Scholars Conference, which ended earlier in the day. The event brought together scholars from different regions of the country, many of whom play important roles in guiding communities, educating the public, and offering advice on social and religious matters.
During the dinner, President Mohamud expressed deep appreciation for the scholars and the contribution they continue to make toward building a peaceful and united nation. He emphasised that throughout Somalia’s history, religious scholars have been central to community leadership, conflict resolution, and moral guidance. According to the President, their voice remains one of the strongest tools in shaping public understanding, correcting misinformation, and encouraging values that support harmony and national stability.
The President said the government recognises the influence that scholars have in society and sees them as essential partners in efforts to counter extremist ideologies. He noted that Somalia’s long struggle with violent extremism has shown that security operations alone are not enough; communities need strong moral leadership and public awareness to reject dangerous narratives. He praised the scholars for consistently standing firm against extremist groups and helping ordinary citizens understand the difference between authentic Islamic teachings and the distorted messages used by those who promote violence.
One of the major points highlighted during the dinner was the growing partnership between the Somali government and religious scholars. President Mohamud said this cooperation is stronger today than ever before. He pointed out that, for the first time, the Somali National Army has formally integrated a group of scholars into its structure. These scholars are working directly with troops, offering guidance on ethical behaviour, discipline, and the importance of protecting civilians. They also discourage harmful practices that may undermine trust between security forces and the public. The President described this step as a significant achievement in efforts to build a national army that reflects the values and identity of the Somali people.
President Mohamud also welcomed the recommendations produced at the end of the 3rd Somali Scholars Conference. Although he did not go into detail during the dinner, he stated that the ideas shared by the scholars will play an important role in shaping government policy, strengthening governance, and promoting social responsibility. He said their guidance will help protect Islamic values in public life, support national reforms, and promote unity across different communities.
The President stressed that Somalia is undergoing major changes and facing complex challenges, including the ongoing fight against extremism, economic difficulties, and efforts to rebuild state institutions. For the country to move forward, he said, government officials, religious scholars, and community leaders must work hand in hand. He emphasised that scholars are uniquely positioned to guide the public, reduce misinformation, and build trust—especially at a time when people are looking for reliable sources of truth and direction.
As the event ended, President Mohamud expressed hope that the close relationship between the government and Somali religious scholars will continue to grow. He said their partnership is essential for shaping a future where peace, justice, and shared values guide the nation’s progress. The dinner served not only as a gesture of appreciation but also as a reminder that Somalia’s development depends on the combined efforts of its leaders, scholars, and citizens.