Poets Rally for Hope in Somalia Amid Ongoing Violence

URGENT UPDATE: In a powerful display of resilience, Somali poets gathered at the National Theater in Mogadishu on July 15, 2023, to promote peace and cultural identity, despite the ongoing violence in the nation. Hassan Barre, a prominent figure in Somali poetry, stepped to the podium in a theater that once witnessed a devastating suicide bombing, reaffirming the vital role of storytelling in a fractured society.

With the backdrop of a largely empty hall, Barre, aged 70, addressed the urgent need for good citizenship and community responsibility. “We must keep our cultural heritage alive,” he emphasized, as aging poets in austere suits shared verses that echoed hopes for a better future in a country long plagued by conflict.

Somalia, often described as “a nation of poets,” has seen its cultural expressions struggle against years of war and violence. The oral poetry tradition, revered in even the most remote areas, faces threats as the country grapples with the deadly influence of al-Shabab. The terrorist group has overshadowed Somalia’s rich artistic heritage, turning the spotlight on bombings rather than the beauty of poetry.

The National Theater, inaugurated in 1967, remains a symbol of hope amid despair. After a prolonged closure following the civil war in 1991, it reopened in 2012 but has since faced challenges, including a tragic bombing during a prime ministerial speech that killed several attendees. Today, the theater is heavily guarded, requiring visitors to notify intelligence agencies ahead of time.

Despite these obstacles, local poets, including Barre, are determined to keep the tradition alive. On the same day as Barre’s recital, young Somalis practiced folk dances, emphasizing traditional values like land cultivation. Nearby, a group of poets engaged in quiet conversation, sharing their commitment to preserving Somalia’s poetic legacy.

Daud Aweis, Somalia’s culture minister, acknowledged the vital role of poetry in societal well-being. “Poets serve as a foundational pillar for cultural vitality and peaceful coexistence,” he stated, while noting that the ministry’s support for the arts remains limited but aims to expand in the future.

With approximately 400 members, the Somali Council of Poets fosters a sense of community among poets, including many in the diaspora. Chairperson Hirsi Dhuuh Mohamed highlighted the importance of unity among Somali poets, whether in Somalia or abroad. “We stand for peace,” he asserted, emphasizing their commitment to non-political, community-based messages.

Poet Maki Haji Banaadir, the deputy director of the National Theater, reiterated the urgency of keeping the theater operational amidst the chaos. A decade ago, he traveled across Somalia advocating for reconciliation, a journey now made impossible by the fragmented control of the federal government and ongoing regional conflicts.

As Somalia continues to navigate its turbulent landscape, the gathering of poets serves as a beacon of hope. Their determination to keep the art of storytelling alive is a testament to the resilience of a nation seeking peace and cultural revival.

The next steps for the Somali poetic community include continuing to perform at local gatherings, reciting poems on radio stations, and advocating for greater support from the government. With the backdrop of an unstable environment, their message remains clear: the power of poetry can unite and heal a divided nation.

As the world watches, Somali poets are not just preserving their cultural heritage; they are igniting hope in a country yearning for stability and peace.