Minister Pledges Support for Somali National Theatre and Cultural Development

MOGADISHU: The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdifatah Kasim Mohamud, conducted a working visit to the Somali National Theatre on Sunday, pledging to safeguard the rights of the country’s artists while rehabilitating and modernising the historic cultural landmark.

The minister was welcomed by the Director of the National Council for Wisdom and Public Awareness, Osman Abdullahi Guure, who briefed him on the theatre’s current state, the activities of the national troupe, and ongoing initiatives to promote Somali arts and culture. During the visit, a meeting was held with performers, artists, and stage actors, who outlined the theatre’s current status, challenges, and suggestions for strengthening the cultural sector.

Minister Mohamud commended the role of Somali national artists in raising public awareness, promoting peace, preserving Somali culture, and enhancing social cohesion. He noted that performers have historically contributed significantly to the nation’s reconstruction during different phases. “The National Troupe forms the foundation of our cultural and public awareness initiatives. The government is dedicated to safeguarding their rights and restoring the significant role of the National Theatre in Somali society,” the minister said.

The minister also promised that the ministry would prioritise protecting the rights of Somali artists and performers while working to rehabilitate and modernise the National Theatre, enabling it to once again function as a premier centre for Somali culture, literature, and entertainment.

The visit was attended by the ministry’s Director General and several departmental directors, reflecting the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s broader efforts to enhance Somali cultural development and restore important national arts and cultural institutions.

The Somali National Theatre, first opened in 1967, has been a crucial cultural landmark in Mogadishu for decades. President Mohamed Farmaajo reopened the theatre in June 2020, declaring it “proof of our ability to rebuild the country”. However, its doors had been closed since the 1990s as the civil war ravaged the capital. Following a 2013 agreement, China undertook the reconstruction of several landmarks, including the National Theatre.

In September 2021, the theatre screened its first movie in 30 years, drawing hundreds of people and marking a return to normal life after decades of conflict.

The visit by Minister Mohamud, who assumed office in mid-May following a handover presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, underscores the federal government’s commitment to cultural revival as part of wider state‑building efforts. Earlier this month, the minister held an introductory meeting with ministry leadership to review ongoing work and stress the importance of public service delivery.