Grand Imam Directs the Establishment of a Committee to Coordinate Efforts with Somalia in Light of Its Needs and Internal Challenges

Somali President Invites Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Visit the Country, and Affirms: A Historic Event and a Message of Solidarity with Somalia Against Extremist Ideology

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia to discuss the enhancement of mutual cooperation and the provision of scientific and religious support to the Somali people. 

During the meeting, His Eminence affirmed the depth of the historical relationship between Somalia and Al-Azhar which has strengthened through Al-Azhar scholars in Somalia as well as Somali students studying at Al-Azhar, who have played a crucial role in shaping this historical connection. His Eminence expressed his full support for Somalia in preserving its territorial unity and confronting extremist groups and terrorism.

For his part, the President of Somalia expressed his appreciation for the significant efforts undertaken by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in spreading coexistence, peace, and human fraternity, as well as countering extremist ideology. The Somali President also extended an official invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Somalia, emphasizing that this visit would serve as a significant historic event and a message of solidarity with the Somali people against extremist groups. The Grand Imam welcomed the Somali President's invitation, confirming his intention to respond to this gracious invitation in the near future.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also briefed the Grand Imam on current events in Somalia, noting that the nation is engaged in a prolonged war against externally-supported extremist groups attempting to divide the country and disrupt its stability. He added, "Over the past 16 years, these groups have seized control of parts of the county, and we have fought numerous battles against them, notably ideological and intellectual battles aimed at spreading extremist ideas and instilling the poisons of these groups in the minds of Somali children and youth, leading them to embrace this extremist, bloody ideology. We have even witnessed children as young as five carrying weapons and fighting alongside them."

The Somali President further emphasized the critical need for the Al Azhar approach, scholars, and envoys in Somalia. He stressed that the war against these extremist ideologies is more important than military warfare and that Al Azhar's ideology is more significant than tanks and military supplies used by Somalia against these groups. Through the moderate ideology of Al-Azhar, Somalia can fortify its people and protect them against this extremist ideology. He also urged the Grand Imam to expand the establishment of Al Azhar institution in Somalia, especially at the primary education levels.

For his part, the Grand Imam affirmed that he would not hesitate to support the people of Somalia, by meeting all their educational and religious needs. He directed the consideration of establishing a committee to study the needs of Somalia, including Al Azhar institutes, training courses for Somali imams and preachers, and the distribution of scholarships tailored to Somalia's internal challenges. The Somali President welcomed this proposal, stating that would be an important step in coordinating joint efforts and confirming that he would appoint a personal representative to join the committee, along with officials from the Somali Embassy in Cairo.