Arab Poetry in South Sudan… A Spectrum of Creative Visions

"Juba" Celebrates the Language of Ḍād

Arabic Poetry in South Sudan: A Spectrum of Creative Visions

South Sudan – Sharjah

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Republic of South Sudan hosted the fourth edition of the Arab Poetry Forum under the theme “Excellence and Creativity: Leadership and Advancement”. The event was organized by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Sharjah Department of Culture, in cooperation with the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan, as part of the Arab Poetry Forums in Africa initiative, which aims to promote the Arabic language, expand the horizons of classical Arabic poetry, and strengthen its presence among its creators.

The South Sudan Forum marks a new milestone in a series of Arab Poetry Forums that have toured several African countries, including Chad, Guinea, Senegal, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire, with plans to continue in other countries in the near future, affirming its purposeful cultural mission and its open vision toward the diverse creative landscape of the continent.

The Arab Poetry Forum in South Sudan, held in the capital Juba, was attended by prominent official and cultural figures, including: H.E. Mohieddin Salem, Representative of the League of Arab States in South Sudan; Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Burj Ruwal, Secretary General of the Islamic Council; Sheikh Hamdeen Shakereen bin Lual Al-Awieli, Grand Mufti of South Sudan; Dr. Mohammed Gai Luokwoj, President of the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan and General Coordinator of the Forum; and Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Kowal Kwat, Secretary General of the same union. From the academic community, Professor Paul Deng, former President of the University of Upper Nile and Professor of Arabic Language at the University of Juba, also attended, along with a number of Arab diplomats, poets, intellectuals, and academics interested in the Arabic language.

The Forum’s General Coordinator, Mohammed Gai Luokwoj, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing in his speech the importance of the cultural patronage led by the Emirate of Sharjah, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and its pivotal role in supporting the Arabic language and enhancing its presence across the African continent.

He pointed out that this Forum is a fruit of that enlightened vision, which believes that culture is a bridge for communication and an effective tool for fostering social peace and strengthening identity. Luokwoj also highlighted the growing role of the Arab Poetry Forums in Africa initiative, which has become a vital platform embracing creativity and opening new horizons for young poets to make their voices heard in the language of Ḍād.

For his part, Ambassador Mohieddin Salem, Representative of the League of Arab States in South Sudan, expressed his deep appreciation for Sharjah’s initiative in championing the Arabic language in the heart of Africa, considering such forums as bridges that bring cultures closer together and enhance the Arab presence in Africa through the gateway of creativity and knowledge.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Burj Ruwal, Secretary General of the Islamic Council, stressed in his speech that the Arabic language is not merely a means of communication, but a carrier of noble civilizational and spiritual values. He praised the role Sharjah plays in supporting Arabic culture, which helps embed those values within African societies rich in religious and cultural diversity.