Somaliland Government Issues Strong Warning To Extremist Group (AL Islaax)

[Carafaat]

Hargeysa, Somaliland, July 28, 2012 (SL Times) – Somaliland Foreign Minister Dr Muhammad Abdillahi Omar warned the extremist religious group al-Islah that his government will not tolerate any activities that are designed to destabilize neighboring countries. He also called on religious organizations to stick to doing humanitarian work and teaching proper values to the young. He stressed that Somaliland is a country of laws and those who violate the law will be held accountable.

 

The foreign minister was responding to questions posed to him by the Somali language newspaper Haatuf about the extremist religious group al-Islah which held a press conference in Hargeysa’s Ambassador Hotel on Monday. In that press conference two of the leaders of al-Islah, Sheikh Muhammad Gadhyare and Sheikh Isma’il Dheeg, said al-Islah will soon hold a conference in Somaliland, that they will participate in Somalia’s election, and that their aim is to rule all of the Horn of Africa countries. Many people in Somaliland became concerned when they heard what was said at the Ambassador Hotel’s press conference because religious and tribal parties are not allowed to operate in Somaliland.

[Carafaat]

Oba and Abwaan, what is this AL-Islaah group? What do they want?

[DoctorKenney]

Al Islaax has never been known to engage in terror activities. They are well known for engaging in charitable work and promoting the well being of the Somali nation. Dr Baadiyow, the Presidential candidate, is a well known member

 

However they are considered, and they consider themselves as, the Somali equivalent of the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does raise concerns by some Secularists

[Carafaat]

Why would it raise concerns?

[DoctorKenney]

Not everyone is for having an Islamic government in Somalia...especially after the failed Al Shabaab experiment.

 

However, I support Al Islaax because they have a proven track record if doing the right thing, establishing schools and promoting peace.

 

Islam is a reality in Somalia, it makes no sense to completely shove Islam out of the way when establishing a Somali State. Al Islaax believes aislam is compatible with modern society, unlike the useless degenerates of Al Shabaab or the Taliban who build nothing, but just seek to micro-manage peoples personal lives (banning soccer, forcing men to wear beards, etc.)