Large turnout at Mogadishu Book Fair, Somali president hails reading culture

Hundreds of Somalis converged at the third annual Mogadishu Book Fair held for three days in the Somali capital.

At least 40 local and international writers including intellectuals, authors, scholars, playwrights, poets, musicians and book enthusiasts graced the occasion that involved book readings, sales, exhibitions, performances and interactive sessions.

The fair is touted as the biggest event in the country where the al Shabaab insurgency has become a stumbling block to social development.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo said he was proud of the capital city and the country for organising the fair.

“A society that reads is a society that’s ready for progress,” he tweeted on the first day of the fair on Wednesday.

It’s the first day of the #Mogbookfair. Proud of #Mogadishu and #Somalia. A society that reads is a society that’s ready for progress. #guul pic.twitter.com/wYaUiY7qp5

— Mohamed Farmaajo (@M_Farmaajo) September 13, 2017

Among the participants are award-winning photojournalist and activist Boniface Mwangi from Kenya, Somali language researcher Peter Chonka from the United Kingdom and book publisher Dominique Uwase Alonga from Rwanda.

Boniface mwangi, a renowned Kenyan activist at the #MogadishuBookFair #MBF2017 pic.twitter.com/LWtrdm67fz

— Som.Stud.Ass in Ke (@SoSake17) September 14, 2017

#Turkey's ambasador to #Somalia, olganbekar, also joints the mass event. #MBF2017 pic.twitter.com/Qvwlv0mHeP

— Mogadishu Book Fair (MogBF) September 14, 2017

Mohamed Sheik-Ali Ahmed, the founder and organizer of the event, said the fair was created to promote reading, Somali culture and heritage by bringing together literary creatives and young people.

Another organiser Said Bashir told local media portal Goobjoog that the event was postponed from the August date to September so as to be able to accomodate the international participants as well.

He added that they focused on new writers to show the world what they had to offer.

In attendance were Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, Turkey’s Ambassador to Somalia Olgan Bekar and the United Nations Special Representative to Somalia Michael Keating.

At the frontline of the venue .We've HE SomaliPM,this proves that the leaders have time 4promoting culture of reading. #MBF2017 is RAISING! pic.twitter.com/7h5ELDIKRO

— Mogadishu Book Fair (MogBF) September 14, 2017

The Mogadishu Book Fair was first organised in 2015 and has since gained a wider attention. Other Somali cities including Hargeisa, Kismayo and Garowe also hold annual book fairs.

Below are some sights from the event.

I am in Somalia attending the 3rd Mogadishu Book Fair. The fair promotes books, a reading culture and heritage by bringing together #MBF2017 pic.twitter.com/vH1F2TfLSk

— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) September 13, 2017

Before Day 2 kicks off, Let's check out #selfie highlights from day 1 of Mogadishu Book Fair MogBF SRSGKeating bonifacemwangi #MBF2017 pic.twitter.com/JBVKBEruB0

— Integration TV (IntegrationTV) September 14, 2017

Intellectuals, authors, scholars, playwrights, poets, musicians and book enthusiasts all turned out in large numbers. #MogadishuBookFair pic.twitter.com/tHR70Cs2ej

— UNSOM (@UNSomalia) September 14, 2017

Abdirashid, Somalia's popular singer with the famous song of “Anaa Anaa Soomaali, Wa Aftakhir” is now on the stage entertaining us. #MBF2017 pic.twitter.com/rKmdIKbfXv

— Mogadishu Book Fair (@MogBF) September 13, 2017

At the frontline of the venue .We've HE SomaliPM,this proves that the leaders have time 4promoting culture of reading. #MBF2017 is RAISING! pic.twitter.com/7h5ELDIKRO

— Mogadishu Book Fair (MogBF) September 14, 2017

And now SomaliPM joins the #MBF2017 plz let's welcome the guests with warm greetings. Everyone in the room cheered! pic.twitter.com/ad276vzS8N

— Mogadishu Book Fair (MogBF) September 14, 2017

This young #Somalia artist (in a cap) too showcased products of his gifted hands in #Art at #MogadishuBookFair #MBF2017 pic.twitter.com/s00pMLg8Iv

— Atulinda Allan (@Atulinda_Allan) September 14, 2017

FYI Peter speaks fluent Somali language “I'll proudly deliver my session in Somali” he says #MBF2017. pic.twitter.com/WC5qRORqhg

— Mogadishu Book Fair (@MogBF) September 14, 2017