Parliament Receives Bill to Establish National Council of Somali Scholars

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowment has submitted a bill to the Federal Parliament seeking to establish a National Council of Somali Scholars, in a move aimed at creating a formal framework for cooperation between religious scholars and the government.

Religious Affairs Minister Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, who presented the proposed legislation to the House of the People, said the council would help unite Somali scholars, strengthen their role in society and promote consultation between the government and religious leaders.

The proposed law contains three chapters and 30 articles outlining the legal foundation, structure, responsibilities and functions of the council.

The ministry said the legislation is intended to establish a nationally recognised and accountable body that would work in the interests of the country and religion while contributing to social guidance.

Addressing lawmakers, Robow said the council could play a role in promoting social cohesion, peace and reconciliation, as well as helping resolve community disputes.

He also said the body could support religious and moral education and help counter the misuse of religious teachings and extremist interpretations.

The proposed legislation underwent consultations and legal review before being submitted to parliament, according to the ministry.

If approved, the council would provide a formal platform for engagement between Somalia’s religious scholars and state institutions on issues affecting religion, social cohesion and national stability.

The bill will now be debated by the House of the People before proceeding through the remaining stages of Somalia’s legislative process.