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David Miliband
(Archived), London

Somalia: Tide Turning Against Extremism?

Posted 31 March 2010 by David Miliband  |  1 comments
In Somalia there are signs that opinion is building against the extremist group Al-Shabaab, who threaten attempts to restore stability. A recent conference of major Islamic scholars in Dubai, including the Egyptian televangelist Amr Khaled and the Saudi-based Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, issued a declaration condemning Al Shabaab's interpretation of Islam. The declaration  denies that fighting the transitional government in Somalia can be justified as a legitimate jihad, examines the constructive role Islam can play in resolving the country’s 20-year long civil war, and calls for all Somalis to support President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.  

Separately, citizens in Mogadishu – fed up with Al Shabaab’s brutality and cultural intolerance - marched on Monday to protest against the desecration of the graves of revered Sufi saints.

I don't underestimate the difficulties or the complexities, but the growth of opposition to extremism in Somalia is encouraging.  Al Shabaab’s interpretation of Islam is alien to Somalis who traditionally practise a moderate Sufi-led form of the religion.  This intervention from internationally renowned Islamic scholars supports isolation of the extremists, who work to their own agenda, and against the interests and traditions of Somalia and its people.

David Miliband
31 March 2010
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>> Respected Sir, awareness in Somalians, against Al Shabab, came after the saturation of their...<<
Prabhat Misra, District Savings Officer, Etawah, U.P., India
01 April 2010

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>> Respected Sir, awareness in Somalians, against Al Shabab, came after the saturation of their tolerance level. Governments are elected to serve their citizens. Al Shabab's activities are inhumane, against religion and nation. Voice of people should be given priority not to voice for a particular sect of religion coz faith for religion is personal and not national; a nation may have a diversity of religions, sects and faiths. There should be strict action against Al Shabab coz they have no faith for nation. <<

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