Mogadishu, Somalia — Somali religious leaders on Wednesday led a public protest in Mogadishu opposing what they described as Israeli interference and threats to Somalia’s national unity.
The demonstration took place at the Dajir Dahsoon Monument and was organized by prominent Somali clerics. It drew participants from various sectors of society, including members of the Banadir regional administration, civil society groups, community leaders, and members of the public.
Speakers at the protest emphasized the importance of safeguarding Somalia’s unity and urged solidarity among political leaders, religious scholars, and citizens. Sheikh Ali Wajiis, one of the clerics who addressed the gathering, said the demonstration aimed to raise public awareness about what he described as efforts to divide the country.
“Somali clerics gathered this morning to alert the nation to plots aimed at undermining our unity,” Sheikh Wajiis told the crowd.
Another speaker, Sheikh Yusuf Ali Ceynte, called for unity among all segments of society, warning that internal divisions could make the country vulnerable to external influence. He stressed that leaders, scholars, and citizens must stand together to prevent what he described as attempts to destabilize Somalia.
Sheikh Abdullahi Ahmed also addressed protesters, stating that the Somali people would not accept any violation of the country’s sovereignty or unity.
Officials from the Union of Somali Ulema Councils also took part in the protest. Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad, the union’s deputy chairman, reiterated the clerics’ opposition to foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.
The chairman of the Union of Somali Ulema Councils, Sheikh Suufo Yare, said the demonstration included a march and public gathering to clearly express the stance of Somali scholars. He said the protest was intended to show the commitment of religious leaders to protecting the unity and sovereignty of the nation.
The protest concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and national cohesion.
