Shun extremism and illegal immigration, President Farmaajo tells Somali students in Egypt

President Mohamed Farmaajo has called on Somali students abroad to shun extremist violence and illegal immigration appealing to them to focus on their studies and contribute to building the nation.

Speaking during a meeting with students and other Somalis working in Egypt Tuesday, President Farmaajo said students had the task of contributing to rebuilding the country adding they should support each other to avoid extremism

“I know some of you are students while others are working in this country but please avoid the notion of illegal migration to the West,” said President Farmaajo. Present during the meeting was former president Dr. Abdikasim Salad Hassan among other government officials.

Meanwhile University of Alexandria has pledged to increase by 50% the number of scholarships to Somali students. In a separate meeting with president Farmaajo, Imam of Alexandria Mosque Dr. Ahmed Al-Dayib said the university will offer more education opportunities for Somali students and also wished the president well in promoting peace back home.

“Mr. President we pray to Allah to guide you to the path of bringing tranquility and progress to your people and country. We also give glad tidings that our centre will provide education and awareness on religious affairs and on how to eliminate extremism,” said Dr. Al-Dayib.

The two leaders also agreed to establish education centres in Somalia for the teaching of Arabic language and that Imams from the university would visit Somalia to advance awareness on fundamentalism, Islamic faith and culture.

President Farmajo pointed out the role of the Alexandra University Islamic scholars and its activities in Somalia since it is a home for knowledge that Somali students seek education from.

“I am confident of the role you can take in the awareness of the Somali youth that were misguided and how to fight extremism which has had a huge negative impact on my country” said President Farmajo.

Dr. Al-Dayib pledged to send a delegation of Islamic scholars to Somalia and will also invite their counterpart in Somalia to Egypt in order to cooperate in the eradication of extremist ideas.