A Historic Moment: The Somali Studies International Congress Comes Back to Mogadishu
In a momentous return, thirty years post-civil unrest, the Somali Studies International Association (SSIA) came back to its roots, convening in Mogadishu for its 15th triennial congress. This significant event marked the collaboration between the Somali National University (SNU) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education of Somalia’s Federal Government.
Conflict and volatility once hamstrung Mogadishu, reducing the assembly of such scholarly gatherings to a logistical impossibility. For three decades, SSIA congresses took place in diverse locales, from the bustling streets of Hamburg, Germany, to the heartland of Columbus, Ohio. Many wondered: would Somalia ever again host this esteemed event?
A turning point appeared after successful congresses in Hargeisa (2018) and Jigjiga (2021). With a daring vision, SNU’s former rector, Professor Hassan Mahadallah, championed Mogadishu’s bid. His proposal, co-engineered with Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, opened pathways for SSIA’s revival on Somali soil on December 15-18, 2024. Sometimes, timing is everything.
The meticulously planned congress proffered a rich tapestry of multidisciplinary discourse, relevant to both Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Concerns over transparency and independence proved unfounded, as the conference emerged as a testament to the collaborative spirit between SNU and a steadily stabilizing Mogadishu.
Notable attendees included SSIA stalwarts like Profs. Abdalla Mansur and Ali Jimale Ahmed, joining via Zoom, and the illustrious Poet Said Salah Ahmed. It was a gathering enriched by diverse minds—academia, government, and students from beyond Somalia’s borders.
Background
The SSIA’s foundation traced back to an informal convergence of minds in Chicago, 1978. Professor Lee Cassinelli of the University of Pennsylvania recounted these roots, highlighting the association’s inception to foster scholarly pursuits in Somalia and beyond, embracing the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. This nascent assembly nurtured an intellectual camaraderie destined to transcend borders and paradigms—an international cooperative, exchanging ideas on Somalia and its people.
The inaugural SSIA congress, held in Mogadishu during July of 1980, marked a blossoming era. Scholarly dialogues flourished, and its proceedings were etched into history by Hussein M. Adam and Charles Geshekter in 1992. Since then, the association has navigated triennial summits across the globe, with the “Gurti”—a venerable council of Somali Studies—guiding its path. This spirit of collaboration between SSIA’s board and regional institutions ensured the congress’s success, negotiating logistical support and fulfilling academic aspirations.
As tradition dictates, congresses often invite host nation luminaries to highlight national challenges and triumphs. The revered Gurti shapes continuity, fostering the association’s integrity and steering its course amidst challenging political tides.
From its establishment, the SSIA has stood as a beacon for scholarly discourse, an embodiment of unity and identity among Somali people. Prof. Ali Jimale Ahmed, in his keynote address, exhorted youth to “reimagine a common narrative,” evoking echoes of shared identity in an age where clan fervor pervades.
A few points distilled from his poignant call—that one should elevate the virtuous (Qumane oo la quweeyo), curb the errant (Qaldane oo la qabto), and nurture mutual care (Qatane oo la quudiyo). Imagine a society grounded in these principles! Could Somalia’s social fabric once again be seamless?
The gathering also offered an avenue to champion the literary world. Dr. Abdinur Mohamud, co-author of this narrative, introduced his latest work, “Macallinkeen Allow Kaal.” It explored Somalia’s educational odyssey and posed solutions to pressing challenges.
An Academic Journey
Professor Melek Eyigun, drawn into the congress by her burgeoning interest in Africa’s historical tapestry, exemplified the valor of academic exploration. She described her fascination with Somalia through the lens of Ottoman influences—an era she unraveled through meticulous archival research.
Arriving amidst views colored by media portrayals of Somali instability, Prof. Eyigun found herself captivated by a milieu of resilience and reconstruction. Her path was lined by kind hosts, ensuring a seamless participation and reinforcing an undeniable bridge between Turkish and Somali communities.
Witnessing spirited academic interactions, Prof. Eyigun observed the intersection of languages and ideas within the congress. Presentations on climate change, statehood, and education illuminated new perspectives. As discussions unraveled, scholars united under shared goals—stability and advancement for Somalia and its region.
Looking Ahead
Future congresses promise to nurture burgeoning interests, fostering research across international landscapes. Challenges persist, notably the reinvigoration of the SSIA platform amidst funding constraints. Yet, the dedication remains as steadfast as ever, with scholars like Professor Marja Tiilikainen and Ms. Muddle Suzanne Lilius championing the way forward.
As Professor Ahmed Warfa of Garissa University suggested, an informal nod to hosting the next congress heralds a promising collaboration. Opportunity beckons for the relentless advancement of Somali studies—an endeavor sure to scaffold the narrative of a nation reborn.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring
