MOGADISHU, Nov 24, 2025 — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday inaugurated the Third National Conference of Somali Clerics, stressing the government’s responsibility to safeguard the core pillars of society, including religion, culture, language, security and the wellbeing of citizens.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Mogadishu, Mohamud praised the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs for what he described as significant achievements, saying the convening of the third clerics’ conference, the construction of the ministry’s headquarters and the reforms in Hajj administration demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting Islamic scholars and strengthening the nation’s religious institutions.
“I commend the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs for the establishment of the Higher Institute of Sharia, which has graduated its first cohort of 197 students, with the second batch now under study,” the president said. “The laying of the foundation stone for the Daarul-Iftaa Council is another major milestone. I hope it will soon host major scholarly gatherings and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. All this reflects dedication and professional excellence.”
Mohamud urged Somali clerics to unify their efforts and provide moral and spiritual guidance to the public, saying their leadership was vital to building a cohesive society and a strong state grounded in shared values.
He added that united religious leadership could help elevate public awareness and enable Somalia to keep pace with other nations.
