The 19th Hargeisa International Book Fair (HIBF) concluded on Thursday evening after six days of literary, cultural, and intellectual activities, with organizers describing this year’s festival as a historic milestone reflecting Somaliland’s growing presence on the global stage.
The annual event, held at the Hargeisa Cultural Centre, ended with a vibrant closing ceremony attended by the Mayor of Hargeisa, dignitaries, international guests, artists, and hundreds of members of the public. Musical performances by the Dayax Band and traditional cultural groups brought the festival to a lively close.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Jama Muse Jama, Founder of the Hargeisa Cultural Centre and Chairman of the Redsea Cultural Foundation, said the book fair has served for nearly two decades as a bridge linking Somaliland with the wider world.
“The Hargeisa International Book Fair has been our window to the world for 19 years, enabling us to connect internationally and share Somaliland’s story,” he said.
Dr. Jama noted that the festival has consistently fulfilled its mission of promoting reading, writing, literature, arts, history, cultural preservation, and intellectual exchange while strengthening collaboration among young people, scholars, and artists.
Reflecting on the significance of this year’s edition, he emphasized what he described as a new reality for Somaliland.
“This year’s edition differs from all previous ones. Today we stand in a recognized Somaliland, and the messages we send to the world are those of a recognized nation,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the public for supporting the festival and extended special thanks to Eswatini, this year’s guest country of honour, along with the Cultural Centre’s staff and the many young volunteers who helped organize the six-day event.
Mayor Calls for National Theatre
Hargeisa Mayor Eng. Abdirizak Wiiwaa praised the Hargeisa International Book Fair for its vital contribution to preserving the Somali language and promoting literature, creativity, culture, and the arts.
He proposed that the event should evolve into Somaliland’s national book fair, citing its important role in advancing the country’s cultural development.
The mayor also renewed calls for the establishment of a National Theatre, saying such an institution would further strengthen Somaliland’s cultural and artistic sectors.
During his address, Wiiwaa highlighted the commitment of Hargeisa Municipality staff, who were simultaneously responding to heavy rains that had affected several districts of the capital.
In a rare moment during the ceremony, he contacted municipal emergency teams live over radio communications from the stage, allowing attendees to hear updates on ongoing response efforts. Officials reported that while several vehicles had sustained minor damage due to the rains, emergency crews remained deployed across the city.
The live demonstration drew warm applause from the audience in recognition of the municipality’s emergency response.
Six Days of Knowledge and Culture
Over the course of six days, the 19th Hargeisa International Book Fair hosted a wide range of activities, including academic panel discussions, research presentations, book launches, poetry readings, theatrical performances, visual art exhibitions, and cultural showcases.
The festival once again brought together writers, academics, artists, publishers, and visitors from Somaliland and around the world, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading literary and cultural gatherings.