The Republic of Niger recently hosted the third edition of the Arab Poetry Forum, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Organized by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, in collaboration with the Niger Literary and Cultural Club, the forum took place in Niamey, the capital of Niger. This event is part of the Arab Poetry Forums in Africa initiative, which aims to promote the Arabic language and enhance the presence of Arabic poetry across the continent.
The forum builds on previous gatherings held in countries such as Chad, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Guinea, and South Sudan. It aims to continue its journey across Africa, reinforcing its cultural mission.
Twelve poets participated in this year’s forum, including Dr. Othman Junaid, Taj Al Din Mohammed, Wakil Al Hajj Abdul Salam, and others. Their performances showcased a rich variety of poetic styles, incorporating Arabic meter, vivid imagery, descriptive metaphors, and deep symbolic meanings.
The opening ceremony took place at the Nigerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Notable attendees included Dr. Youssef Monkila, Director of Higher Arab Education; Amghar Bayan Ibrahim, President of the Niger Literary and Cultural Club; Dr. Mohammed Al Khair Ibrahim Jiro, Vice Chancellor of Al Wefaq International University; and Professor Kony Soaliho, Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language and Humanities at the Islamic University of Niger. The event also drew many academics, poets, and Arabic poetry enthusiasts.
Amado Ali Ibrahim, the cultural coordinator in Niger, welcomed attendees during the forum’s opening. He highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “The Niger Poetry Forum returns to us year after year, and the poem elevates us to enjoy meeting you. This initiative is part of the significant efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to support the Arabic language and preserve its heritage in African countries.”
Past sessions of the forum have featured poets from various regions, who shared their thoughts on history and paid tribute to their homeland. These sessions have unveiled new poetic talents and demonstrated the audience’s eagerness to engage with creative expressions in poetry and literature in Niger. Future forums are expected to continue discovering new poetic experiences.
This year, Ibrahim emphasized that twelve poets with diverse names but shared passions were united by their love for poetry. The event served as a literary and cultural gathering, celebrating Arab thought in Niger and engaging a broad audience, including professors, academics, and students.
Amghar Bayan Ibrahim expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Culture. He noted that the forum aims to unite literary figures and poets to explore creative moments. The Niger Literary and Cultural Club, in partnership with the Sharjah Department of Culture, hosts various events such as courses, seminars, and cultural evenings to support young people in the literary field.
Professor Kone Soualiho praised the efforts of the Sharjah Department of Culture and discussed the relationship between poetry and criticism. He emphasized the importance of understanding the poems and provided commentary on the poets’ works during the sessions.
Ibrahim Jiro expressed appreciation to the attendees and organizers for their roles in making the forum impactful. He delivered a lecture titled “Arab Universities in Niger, Where to?” addressing the challenges faced by Arab universities in the country and outlining future aspirations.
Mankila commended the Department of Culture for its efforts in organizing the poetry forums. He highlighted the significance of these gatherings in revitalizing Arabic literature in Niger and preserving its heritage. Mankila proposed compiling the poets’ works for future publication.
At the end of the forum, attending poets were honored with certificates of appreciation, acknowledging their contributions to literature.
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