Jubaland rejects Somali federal bill to establish Ulema Council

The Jubaland Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has rejected a federal proposal to establish a Somali Ulema Council, arguing the legislation encroaches on the constitutional authority of federal member states.

Jubaland officials state that religious, cultural, and social matters fall under the jurisdiction of state governments rather than being exclusively managed by the federal government. The ministry warned that the proposed council could threaten the independence of religious institutions within the states and weaken Somalia’s federal system. The bill, which includes 30 articles, was submitted by the federal Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to the House of the People.

In addition to jurisdictional concerns, Jubaland has questioned the legitimacy of the legislative process, noting that the Federal Parliament’s mandate expired in April 2026. The state argues that the bill, which has been pending for approximately three years, should not be advanced without proper consultation with federal member states to resolve concerns regarding overlapping authority and funding.