Mohamoud Walaaleye
The 19th Hargeisa International Book Fair opened with a message that captured the spirit of literature and lifelong learning. Head of the British Office, Ms. Louise Hancock, addressing the audience on behalf of the international diplomatic community present in Somaliland, reflected on the transformative role of books in shaping minds, cultures, and societies.
She began with a personal quotation that resonated throughout her address:
“I never went anywhere without a book. It taught me how to think, not what to think.”
Greeting the audience with “Subax Wanaagsan” and “Good morning,” Hancock welcomed distinguished guests, book lovers, international scholars, authors, and artists, while extending a special welcome to participants from Eswatini, the guest country for this year’s festival.
Calling it a great honor to attend the Hargeisa International Book Fair for the second consecutive year, she paid tribute to Dr. Jama M. Jama, the Red Sea Cultural Foundation, and the Hargeisa Cultural Centre for their unwavering dedication to sustaining the festival for nearly two decades.
She described the celebration of the fair’s nineteenth edition as a remarkable achievement and evidence of its lasting influence as one of the region’s longest-running literary and cultural festivals.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Continuity,” Hancock said it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of books to connect the past, present, and future. According to her, books carry knowledge, ideas, and stories across generations, preserving history, strengthening culture, and inspiring new ways of thinking.
She emphasized that reading enables people to learn from those who came before them while equipping future generations to build a better tomorrow. Continuity, she noted, is not only about preserving inherited knowledge but also about ensuring it is passed on.
Sharing a personal reflection, Hancock described herself as a childhood “bookworm,” recalling that she rarely went anywhere without a book. She credited reading with teaching her how to think independently rather than telling her what to think, underscoring the role of literature in fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
As the fair officially opened, Hancock encouraged readers, writers, educators, and young people to renew their commitment to reading, lifelong learning, and supporting literature in all its forms. She expressed hope that this year’s festival would spark fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and inspire a lasting love of books among all who attend.
Her remarks reinforced the Hargeisa International Book Fair’s enduring mission: to celebrate literature as a bridge between generations, cultures, and ideas, ensuring that knowledge continues to inspire both present and future generations.