The South Sudan forum is a continuation of the Arab Poetry Forums, which have been held in various African countries such as Chad, Guinea, Senegal, Nigeria, Mali, and Ivory Coast, and will continue to travel to other countries in the near future, reinforcing its noble message and broad cultural vision.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammed Kai Lukwaj, President of the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan, along with several Arab diplomats and individuals passionate about the Arabic language, including poets, intellectuals, and academics.
Dr. Mohammed Maj Riek, head of the organising committee, welcomed the attendees, saying: "We are pleased that the Arabic Poetry Forum continues its presence for the third time in our country, marking a significant cultural milestone in South Sudan's history. We are honoured to acknowledge the role and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, in preserving and promoting the Arabic language and its speakers in Africa."
Mohammed Lukwaj added, "First, I would like to extend my gratitude to Sharjah and its enlightened Ruler, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, for the efforts made to elevate and preserve the Arabic language in African nations. In South Sudan, we reaffirm the importance of Arabic, especially as we share a common cultural heritage with many Arab countries."
The forum featured nine poets: Qasim Barnaba Kasanga, Mohammed Suleiman, Mabior Sherilo, Fariol Jis, Intisar Ramadan, Salem Juma Bour, Scheherazade Kamel, Eliza Zakaria, and Deng Juma. The poets presented a range of poems that skillfully used language to convey beauty. The poems covered a variety of themes and were marked by rich metaphors, vivid imagery, and deep linguistic foundations.
The readings continued with other poets presenting diverse poems, and the forum concluded with the recognition of participating poets, awarding them certificates of appreciation in honour of their creative efforts and encouraging them to continue writing poetry.
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