President Mohamud Urges Stronger Religious Efforts to Counter Extremism and Protect Youth

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for stronger cooperation with Islamic scholars and institutions to counter extremist ideology and prevent young people from being drawn into radical movements.

The president made the call on Friday during talks in Mogadishu with Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars.

President Mohamud said Somalia needed stronger efforts to promote a correct understanding of Islam while confronting extremist interpretations and attempts to mislead young people.

The discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation between Somalia and the Muslim World League in promoting peace, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

The president thanked the organisation for its support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty and for its role in social development.

His emphasis on religious understanding comes as Somalia continues its long-running campaign against Al-Shabaab, whose insurgency has combined armed attacks with an ideology rooted in an extremist interpretation of Islam.

The federal government has sought to complement military operations against the group with efforts to challenge its ideology and prevent radicalisation, particularly among young people.

Religious leaders have also played a role in government-backed efforts to counter extremist narratives, with authorities arguing that religious education and community engagement are important parts of addressing the appeal of Al-Shabaab.

Cooperation with international Islamic institutions provides the federal government another avenue for strengthening security efforts while reinforcing Somalia’s message that the country’s religious identity should not be used to promote violence or undermine social cohesion.

The meeting also highlighted Somalia’s broader diplomatic relationship with the Muslim World League and its efforts to secure international support for the country’s stability, unity and development.