Hargeisa book fair opens with Eswatini as guest country

The 19th edition of the Hargeisa International Book Fair opened on Saturday, bringing together writers, academics, artists and government officials for six days of discussions, literary events and cultural performances under the theme “Continuity.” This year's guest country is Eswatini.

The opening ceremony, held at the Hargeisa Cultural Centre, was attended by senior government officials, including the Minister of Education and the Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance, alongside prominent Somaliland public figures and intellectuals. Among those participating was renowned activist and former foreign minister Edna Adan Ismail, as well as academics, authors and artists from Somaliland and abroad.

Throughout the week, the programme will feature book launches, panel discussions, poetry readings, artistic performances and debates on issues ranging from history and education to contemporary political developments.

Founded in 2008 by two diaspora Somalilanders, the Hargeisa International Book Fair has grown from a modest gathering into one of the Horn of Africa's most prominent annual cultural events. It was established with the aim of fostering a culture of reading and writing, promoting Somali literature and creating a platform where local and international writers, scholars and artists could exchange ideas.

Each edition revolves around a central theme, providing a framework for discussions on issues affecting society, culture and the arts. Previous themes have included “Freedom,” “Censorship, "Citizenship,” “Coexistence,” “Neighbourhood,” “Resilience,” “Togetherness” and “Africa,” while guest countries have ranged from Djibouti, Ghana and South Africa to Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Tunisia and Zambia. This year's selection of Eswatini continues the festival's emphasis on strengthening literary and cultural ties across the continent.

Now in its nineteenth year, the Hargeisa International Book Fair remains one of the largest literary and cultural gatherings in the Horn of Africa, serving as a regional space where writers, artists, scholars and readers from across Africa and beyond come together to exchange ideas, celebrate literature and promote dialogue across cultures