Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed threw his weight behind an initiative by the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) to reconcile between Somali rivals. "I welcome the much-awaited mediation of the IUMS," Sharif told a press conference on Thursday, February 5, in neighboring Djibouti.
"The Muslim scholars can play a positive role in Somalia and can resolve disagreements between Somali groups."
Sheikh Sharif, the leader of the Islamic Courts Union, was elected Somali president on January 31.
But his election drew fire from the Shebab group, once an off-shot of the ICU, and the Eritrea-based opposition, vowing war against Sharif's regime.
Fearing a new bout of infighting in Somalia, the IUMS, led by prominent scholar Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, has floated an initiative to mediate between the Somali rivals.
"All Somalia should set aside all their political and tribal affiliations, which drove a wedge between them, close their ranks and look forwards for better future," it said in a statement obtained by IslamOnline.net. "They should stand united under the banner of Islam."