Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The second Somali Scholars Conference, aimed at fostering national unity, commenced today on Monday here in Mogadishu. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud inaugurated the four-day event, which runs from July 29th to August 1st. In his opening remarks, President Hassan emphasized the importance of unity in religion, stating, “In politics, it is likely divided and needed for consensus, but it is not possible in religion,” while commending the efforts of religious scholars in promoting Islamic teachings both within Somalia and abroad.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Somalia organized the conference, which gathers scholars to discuss and promote the unity of the country. Despite the significance of the event, participation is notably lower compared to the previous conference, with some Federal Member States opting not to attend.

Galmudug State’s Ministry of Religious Affairs boycotted the conference, citing unspecified reasons in a statement. Southwest State did the same while Puntland also chose to ignore all invitations from the Federal Government, reflecting ongoing conflicts between the two sides.

The first Somali Scholars Conference was held in January 2023 in Mogadishu, focusing on countering terrorism and combating Al-Shabaab. During that conference, Somali religious scholars expressed their support for the government’s efforts against terrorism.

This year’s conference aimed to build on the previous discussions by emphasizing the theme of national unity, a crucial element for Somalia’s stability and development. As the conference progresses, it remains to be seen how the discussions and outcomes will impact the broader political and social landscape of Somalia.