MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali Abu Mansour, has not yet responded to a summons issued by the Senate Committee on Religious Affairs and Hajj, according to information circulating in Somali political circles.
The committee, which oversees matters related to religion and pilgrimage affairs, reportedly requested the minister’s appearance to discuss issues under the responsibility of his ministry, including the management of Hajj and Umrah services, religious affairs administration, and other institutional matters.
Sources familiar with the matter said that Minister Robow has neither formally accepted nor rejected the invitation, leaving uncertainty over whether he will appear before the Senate committee or provide a written response.
The reason behind the delay remains unclear. Neither the minister’s office nor the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has publicly explained the situation or issued an official statement regarding the Senate request.
The issue comes at a time when government institutions in Somalia continue to face increased parliamentary scrutiny, with lawmakers seeking greater accountability and transparency from federal ministries.
Analysts say that appearing before parliamentary committees is part of the normal oversight process in democratic systems and does not necessarily indicate a political dispute. However, prolonged silence could raise questions about the relationship between the ministry and the Senate committee.
Sheikh Mukhtar Robow, a former senior figure in the militant group Al-Shabaab who later joined the Somali government, has served as Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs since his appointment by the federal government. His role includes overseeing religious institutions, coordinating pilgrimage arrangements, and supporting Islamic affairs across Somalia.
The Senate committee has not announced any further action, and it remains unclear when the minister will provide a response or whether a new date will be set for his appearance.
The Somali public is now awaiting clarification from both sides as attention grows around the handling of religious affairs and Hajj administration in the country.
