Somali government submits Ulema Council Bill to parliament

Tuesday August 25, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs on Tuesday submitted a bill to the House of the People seeking to establish the Somali Ulema Council.

Speaking before Parliament, Endowments and Islamic Affairs Minister Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali said the proposed council would help unite Somali religious scholars, strengthen their role in society and improve dialogue between the government and the Ulema.

The bill consists of three chapters and 30 articles outlining the council’s legal basis, structure, powers, responsibilities and activities.

The ministry said the purpose of the bill is to establish a national council with a legal and accountable structure that serves the interests of the country, religion and Somali society.

“The Ulema Council can play a role in strengthening the unity of the Ulema, supporting peace and reconciliation, and helping to resolve social conflicts,” Robow said.

The council is also expected to help raise awareness on religious and moral issues and address religious misinformation and extremist ideologies.

The ministry said the bill had undergone consultations and legal review before being submitted to Parliament.

The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs asked the House of the People to debate and approve the draft law. Lawmakers are expected to begin debating the bill before it proceeds to the next stages of Somalia’s legislative process.