The Commander of the Somaliland Police Force, Major General Abdirahman Abdilahi Hasan, conducted a thorough inspection of the Hargeysa Cultural Centre today, the venue for the upcoming 18th Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF), scheduled from July 26 to 31, 2025.
The annual event, one of the largest literary festivals in the Horn of Africa, is set to draw over 10,000 visitors, including authors, poets, and cultural figures from Somaliland, Zambia (this year’s guest country), and across the continent.
Dr. Jama Musse Jama, Chairman of the Hargeysa Cultural Centre, welcomed Major General Hasan and expressed gratitude for the Somaliland Police Force’s unwavering commitment to securing the event. “The police have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of our guests every year, allowing us to focus on promoting literature and cultural exchange,” Dr. Jama stated.
Major General Hasan emphasized the importance of creating a secure environment for the influx of international and local visitors. “Our priority is to ensure that everyone attending the book fair feels safe and welcomed, carrying a positive impression of Somaliland back to their home countries,” he said.
The police force will deploy comprehensive security measures to safeguard the six-day event, which will feature over 130 sessions, including book launches, poetry readings, and panel discussions on topics like oral storytelling and women’s participation in literature.
The HIBF, founded in 2008 by the Redsea Cultural Foundation, has grown into a cornerstone of cultural dialogue, fostering literacy and freedom of expression in Somaliland. This year’s theme, “Africa,” will celebrate the continent’s rich literary heritage, with a focus on strengthening ties between Southern and Eastern Africa.
The Somaliland Police Force’s proactive involvement underscores the nation’s commitment to showcasing its stability and hospitality, reinforcing Hargeysa’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub despite its lack of international recognition.
For more details on the Hargeysa International Book Fair 2025, visit www.hargeysabookfair.com.[](http://www.hargeysabookfair.com/)