Mogadishu - Islamic leaders and scholars have today led discussions on how religion can be used to restore peace in Somalia.

Hosted by the Somali Religious Council, the roundtable discussion held in Mogadishu also brought together clan and community elders, youths as well as representatives of civil society to discuss the conflict that prevails in Somalia and mechanisms that can be employed to have long lasting peace restored.

This is one of the many activities that are ongoing in different parts of Somalia, facilitated by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), centered on the theme of peace ahead of celebrations to mark International Peace Day.

The participants at the dialogue called for consistent dialogue at different levels of society, to have the message of peace spread across the country.

“I think it’s important and is something the Somali people need because the religious leaders, the ones who know, in reference to Islamic teachings and our prophet (peace be upon him) say that (dialogue) that is good for society,” said Imam Omar Macalin Abshir.

They also appreciated the role now embraced by a some religious leaders in spreading the message of peace and facilitating dialogue, through fora such as the one held today.

“Speaking as a Somali youth, it is very important to us because for the last 20 years, we have been through a lot. We didn’t get any chance, mostly the youth of Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia. For the last 20 years, we faced a lot of challenges and we only knew how to shoot, how to kill which was like to brain wash us. We are very happy to see our Somali religious elders coming together and trying to preach peace,” said Mohamed Bashir, a Somali Youth

The discussions further reiterated the importance of unity, bringing all Somalis together, including women and youths to discuss such issues of national importance.

”The last 22 years, I do not think these religious groups and clan elders, achievers and academics, the youth and the civil society and the women have come together to talk about their own. I believe the solution of the Somali conflict should come from the Somali community and this is the chance. This is one of the best discussions about how we can pass this, how can we put behind us these problems, how can we tackle the issues with our community and find solutions,” said Abdirizaq Mohamed Aden, a participant.