By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEYSA – The 19th Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF) opened with a powerful message of cultural preservation and inter-African unity, as founder and director Dr. Jama Musse Jama declared that the transfer of knowledge, vision, and values from one generation to the next remains the festival’s enduring foundation.
Addressing a distinguished audience of ministers, government officials, diplomats, writers, scholars, poets, students, cultural leaders, and international guests at the opening ceremony, Dr. Jama warmly welcomed participants from around the world. He underscored the festival’s role as a vital bridge connecting communities through literature and storytelling.
This year’s guest country, Eswatini, was represented by a delegation led by Dr. Dlamini and Judith Mthupha. Dr. Jama described their presence as a unique opportunity to deepen cultural ties between the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa.
“Literature and storytelling know no borders across our continent,” he remarked, emphasizing that the partnership with Eswatini transcends official relations to represent a human connection forged through shared traditions, poetry, history, and artistic expression.
The ceremony also paid heartfelt tribute to two recently deceased pillars of Somaliland’s cultural landscape: veteran journalist and producer Mahamud Abdi Ali “Duale,” and renowned poet Adan Tarabbi Jama, a member of the Mus-danbeed poets and journalists’ council. Dr. Jama called on attendees to honor their contributions and offered prayers for their peace.
Reflecting on the festival’s 19-year journey, Dr. Jama noted that the HIBF has evolved into a lasting institution, sustained by successive generations of cultural leaders. He observed that many of today’s young organizers first attended the fair as children and are now managing the event themselves.
“This is what we mean by continuity,” he explained, clarifying that it is not merely the passage of time, but the deliberate transmission of memory, purpose, and responsibility from one cohort to the next.
Dr. Jama expressed his gratitude to Somaliland’s government institutions for their support, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Science, Trade and Tourism, and Information, National Guidance, and Culture. He specifically praised the nation’s stable security environment, which he said enables cultural events and international exchanges to flourish.
He also highlighted future collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science, affirming that culture is central to education. The Ministry of Trade and Tourism was recognized for promoting Somaliland’s economic and cultural heritage, including attractions such as the Laas Geel caves and the historic frankincense trade.
Special appreciation was extended to the Ministry of Information, National Guidance, and Culture for its long-standing partnership. Dr. Jama welcomed Minister Hon. Barkhad Batun and recalled his involvement in cultural initiatives, including the “Qabyaalad Diid” campaign, launched at the Hargeysa Cultural Centre alongside former Mayor Abdikarim Ahmed Moge and other partners.
International partners, including the British Office, the Danish Office, and the Taiwan Representative Office, were also acknowledged for their consistent and committed support. Dr. Jama invited attendees to a special session on “Culinary Diplomacy,” a recently completed project supported by Denmark that explores the intersection of food, culture, and exchange.
The festival, he said, continues to rely on the support of the people of Somaliland, its volunteers, and its sponsors. He welcomed new sponsor Omaar Company, thanked Dahabshiil for its ongoing backing, and praised the volunteers whose dedication makes the event possible.
This year’s six-day program features more than 44 book launches, 22 academic and social discussion panels, art exhibitions, music performances, traditional dances, and dedicated children’s programs.
In closing, Dr. Jama invited all attendees to experience the festival in the spirit of its central theme, Continuity—a celebration of memory, identity, and a future carried forward by new generations.
