Kismayo (AX) — Jubaland has rejected a federal proposal to create a Somali Ulema Council, arguing that the bill encroaches on the constitutional authority of federal member states and violates the powers of the Jubaland government.
In a statement issued Thursday, Jubaland’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs said the legislation, introduced by Somalia’s federal Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, covers religious and social matters that the state says fall within the jurisdiction of federal member states.
“The Jubaland Constitution and the agreements established in the federal system of Somalia give the state governments the power to manage matters related to religion and society, and these matters are not exclusively limited to the federal government,” the statement said.
The ministry said the proposed council could threaten the independence and authority of religious institutions operating in Somalia’s federal member states.
It urged the relevant institutions to reconsider the initiative.
Jubaland said it categorically opposes the bill, warning that its passage could weaken the constitutional powers of the states and erode Somalia’s federal system.
Somalia’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs submitted the legislation to the House of the People on Tuesday.
The proposed law contains three chapters and 30 articles covering the council’s legal foundation, composition, authority, duties and operations.
The federal ministry said the bill would establish a national council with a legally grounded and accountable structure to serve the interests of Somalia, Islam and Somali society.
Lawmakers are expected to debate the proposal as it advances through the legislative process.
