The Commission of Somali Scholars called on Sunday for politicians to protect their country from “foreign interference” and to respect its sovereignty, Anadolu reported on Sunday.

In a statement issued in response to the latest upheaval, the scholars expressed their concerns about the “unstable political situation” in Somalia over many months. They called for efforts to adopt the “rule of reason and a constructive policy” instead of one driven by tribal interests. The latter, they said, has taken the country into chaos.

Insisting that the Somali government should aim for justice and equality in society, they stressed that it should also respect individual rights. The Muslim scholars added a warning about the use of “extrajudicial forces” leading to “sedition and unnecessary consequences.”

In conclusion the group reiterated the importance of unity and warned the government about the consequences of division in society.

Read: Raid on senator’s home reveals divisions in Somali security forces