Somalia's Islamic body calls to protect refugees in Kenya

Somalia's Ulema Council – an umbrella group of several Islamic movements – said in a statement that Al-Shabaab's actions contravene Islamic values

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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Somalia's Ulema Council urged Nairobi on Tuesday to protect Somali refugees in Kenya following Thursday's assault on Kenya's Garissa University by the Al-Shabaab militant group, which left 151 students dead and dozens of others wounded.

The attacks and assassinations perpetrated by Al-Shabaab contravene Islamic values and Somali traditions, the council – an umbrella group of several Islamic movements – said in a statement.

The council also expressed hope that Al-Shabaab's actions would not threaten "peaceful coexistence" between the Kenyan and Somali peoples.

The Kenya attacks sought to "sow hate between Somali and Kenyan society," the council said, warning the latter against "falling victim to the deception of Al-Shabaab, which has tainted the reputation of Islam."

The council went on to urge Kenyan and Somali authorities to work on "guaranteeing stability and security while cooperating to protect citizens."

It called on the Kenyan authorities in particular to avoid adopting measures in response to the attack that might put Somali refugees in the country at risk.

At least 151 people were killed in a militant attack on Kenya's Garissa University College last Thursday.

Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Thursday's attack was the worst Kenya has suffered to date at the hands of Al-Shabaab.

The group has vowed to carry out attacks in Kenya as long as the East African country maintains its military presence in Somalia.

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