“If we don’t unite, the biggest thing will be the collapse of our security, we are proud of being a democratic nation, let’s…” VP Sayli’
By M.A. Egge
The Vice President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Sayli’i has underscored the importance of having a united people in a nation, where the setting is of harmonious setting.
The VP underpinned the fact when he opened the 17th Hargeisa International Book Fair on Saturday at the Hargeisa Cultural Centre.
In his speech he emphasized the need for solidarity hence reminded the audience that Somaliland was a nation that boasted democratic processes and tradition which is only realized through unity and togetherness.
He cautioned that when such togetherness is ruffled, much is stood to be lost. He however noted that there was much goodness realized in uniting a people. He said that vast achievements and benefits are reaped through togetherness than when a people are divided.
The VP pointed out that it was a year of elections, despite having been post-ponded, hence there is even more need in maintaining and safeguarding the prevalent solidarity.
He said that it was an honour for the country to host the exhibition and hailed the efforts of the head of the centre Mr. Jama Musa Jama for his constant efforts and in putting the country in a global map.
The fair which has this year’s theme is “Togetherness”, and Tunisia is a guest nation had its opening graced by the attendance of international participants, eminent personalities from the various councils of the government, diplomats that include those of resident embassies, a horde of artistes and numerous notable personalities.
It is worth noting that each year the fair has a partner country as it hosts the expo, with this time round being Tunisia. The event is expected to be held for five days and would have in its itinerary 123 speakers, 35 panels and 3 children’s sessions, 24 new Books (Somali), 22 performance artistes, 16 paint artists, 10 diplomats, 1 circus and 1 Chess and a traditional African “Shax” competition.
In a speech delivered by the Vice President, he said that it is a great honour for Somaliland to host the International Book Fair successfully perennially for almost the past two decades.
“We thank the cultural centre and its chairman, Jama Musa Jama, and the workers for the hard work they have been doing for 17 years, and they started from scratch, they are very grateful”.
“It is a great honour for us that every year different countries come to this forum to exchange knowledge and learn a lot from us, and we learn from them”, he said.
He continued, “This year’s theme is togetherness, its value has been widely explained, and today there is a great need for the country and people to be together”, and added, “Togetherness is doing a lot in our country and the world where there are many challenges, and togetherness can overcome challenges be they, climate change, drought, education, health, access to clean water or associated issues”.
He advised the populaces to shun tribalism and to think of themselves as constituents. “If we don’t unite, the biggest thing will be the collapse of our security, we are proud of being a democratic nation, let’s not undermine it”, he concluded.