By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, January 12, 2025 Four of Somalia’s federal states announced on Monday that they have halted all cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, citing a breakdown in collaboration and disputes over the management of this year’s Hajj.
In a joint press statement, the Ministers of Religious Affairs from Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West, and North East said they would boycott all federal religious activities, including the National Qur’an Recitation Competition.
Regional officials accused the federal ministry of failing to consult them on key religious policies and of overstepping its constitutional authority.
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They pointed to what they described as a lack of transparency and accountability in the administration of the Hajj, an issue they say carries significant social and economic importance for Somali citizens nationwide.
The Federal Member States argued that the current approach of the federal government undermines the constitutional federal system and ignores the principles of decentralization enshrined in the constitution. According to the joint statement, the suspension of relations will remain in place until the federal ministry returns to a framework based on mutual respect and formal consultation.
Neither the Federal Ministry nor the Office of the Prime Minister has issued an official response to the decision. The regional governments called for urgent reforms to ensure religious services—particularly those related to the Hajj and national religious competitions—are managed fairly, inclusively, and transparently.
