Week 51 of 2024, penultimate week and here are my 5+ minutes of fame post focusing on the 15th Somali Studies International Association (SSIA) Congress that took place in Mogadishu, Somalia, from December 15 to 18, 2024.
This event marked the first time since 1989 that the congress was held in Mogadishu, symbolizing a renewed commitment to revitalizing academic and intellectual engagement within the country. The congress, themed "Reconstructing and Developing the Somali Nation," was jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, SSIA, and Somali National University. It brought together over 300 distinguished participants, including academic researchers, scholars, practitioners, policymakers, civil society members, private sector representatives, and students.
The event aimed to address multifaceted challenges and opportunities in Somalia's pursuit of sustainable development and national reconstruction. Discussions covered a broad range of topics, including state building and good governance, culture and language, security and geopolitics, education and human capital development, innovation for a sustainable future, and religion and peacebuilding. However, the congress was not without controversy. Some prominent Somali scholars criticized the Ministry of Education for its involvement in organizing the event, arguing that it undermined the scholarly integrity of the SSIA. They contended that the association should remain an academic and non-partisan organization, separate from government influence.
Despite these criticisms, the congress proceeded as planned, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud inaugurating the event. The outcomes of the congress are expected to include the publication of proceedings, initiatives promoting Somali culture, language, and literature, and the development of strategies focused on peace, reconciliation, and conflict resolution.
Where to from here?
As highlighted in the post’s clip, we eagerly anticipate the publication of the proceedings of the Somali Studies International Conference, which promises to serve as a cornerstone for advancing scholarly discourse in this field. The proceedings are expected to encapsulate the context and significance of the conference by providing an in-depth overview of its objectives, thematic focus, and relevance to the broader domain of Somali studies. Such documentation will not only preserve the intellectual contributions made but also offer a retrospective lens on key themes and scholarly insights that could attract the attention of global universities and learning institutions.
By doing so, the publication will add immense value to forward-looking perspectives on emerging trends and future research directions. It will highlight innovative ideas, identify critical research gaps, and propose potential avenues for advancing Somali studies, positioning it as a dynamic field with global relevance.
An aspect I am personally keen to explore in the forthcoming proceedings is the inclusion of participant reflections, capturing the voices of scholars, practitioners, and attendees beyond the realm of political discourse. Such reflections offer a multifaceted view of the conference's impact, ensuring a holistic understanding of its outcomes.
Furthermore, a detailed exploration of the interplay between historical scholarship and contemporary challenges within Somali studies could significantly enhance strategies for maintaining the momentum of scholarly collaboration. Addressing global implications and fostering dialogue on how Somali studies intersect with pressing modern issues will not only enrich the field but also serve as a foundation for preparing future conferences and publications. The anticipated proceedings, therefore, stand as a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and institutions alike, charting a course for continued growth and innovation in Somali studies.
Stay tuned for week 52 and my 5 minutes of fame… wrap up for the year and more. Comments, feedback as always welcome.
Share this post