Algiers – The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic’s pavilion at the 27th Algiers International Book Fair (SILA), held at the Exhibition Palace in Algiers, is attracting a large and diverse audience. The collection of publications and books, focusing on various aspects of the Sahrawi people’s struggle against Moroccan occupation, has drawn in attendees of all ages from Algeria, the Arab world, and beyond.
The pavilion manager, Mrs. Soumia Abdallah, stated to the Algerian News Agency that the pavilion has seen “high levels of interest and engagement from day one,” noting that “many of the displayed works have captivated Algerian readers of all backgrounds and ages.” Among the displayed works are books and studies on political thought, biographies, fiction, poetry, and novels authored by Sahrawi writers, providing valuable insight into Sahrawi culture and history.
Mrs. Abdallah explained that students and academic researchers have shown particular interest in finding new references for their studies, specifically on the Sahrawi cause. She noted that several exhibitors from around the world have also shown keen interest in the materials available at the pavilion, appreciating the opportunity to learn more about the Sahrawi people’s struggle.
The publications in the pavilion highlight various episodes in the Sahrawi people’s resistance against Moroccan occupation, illustrating their steadfastness in preserving their identity and cultural heritage. Mrs. Abdallah further remarked that the popularity of the Sahrawi pavilion comes as no surprise, reflecting the Algerian public’s deep-rooted support for the Sahrawi cause, recognized as the last colonial issue in Africa. She emphasized that the book fair offers an ideal platform to inform international participants about the Sahrawi cause, recent developments, and the conditions of Sahrawi prisoners in Moroccan jails.
The exhibited books showcase a range of literary, intellectual, and political works by Sahrawi authors, including contributions from young writers in poetry, novels, folk literature, and historical and political studies. Through SILA, these works gain wider exposure, promoting both Sahrawi culture and the talents of Sahrawi authors.
As director of the Sahrawi Ministry of Culture’s Heritage and Documentation Department, Mrs. Abdallah shared that the Sahrawi Republic’s participation in SILA 2024 includes presenting a selection of 55 titles. These titles include recent works and reprints by the Sahrawi Ministry of Culture, as well as joint publications between the Algerian and Sahrawi ministries of culture, alongside contributions from Algerian publishing houses.
Among the new releases is a children’s literature series titled Sahrawi Tales Collection, published in Arabic and Spanish, which draws on the Sahrawi people’s oral heritage and folk tales, emphasizing the richness of Sahrawi cultural tradition. Another featured work is the memoir of former Sahrawi prisoner and activist Fatima Ghalia Moulai Ahmed Mili, 16 Years in the Hell of Agdez and Meknassa, published by the Union of Sahrawi Journalists, Writers, and Authors. Her memoir documents her experiences and the abuses she faced during her imprisonment under Moroccan occupation.
Additionally, the pavilion showcases Colonialism and Resistance in Western Sahara by Hama El Mahdi Bouhali, which details significant moments in the resistance of the Sahrawi people in the Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro regions, documenting popular revolutions for Sahrawi independence dating back to 1886. Other notable works include the poetry collection The Glory of a People by poet Hussein Ibrahim, Stakes of the Earth: The Elusive Dream by Mustapha Kitab, and Notice of Life: Diaries of a Political Prisoner by Said El Bilal. The historical account The Avant-Garde Organization for Sahrawi Liberation: From Foundation to Spain’s Crime by Hamdi Yahdihi is also available for readers.
SILA 27 continues until November 16 at the Exhibition Palace, featuring participation from 1,007 publishers from 40 countries, including 290 Algerian publishers, with more than 300,000 titles on display.
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Author: nor-eleslam
