MOGADISHU, (HAN) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called on universities across the country to take the lead in promoting and teaching the Swahili language (Kiswahili), describing it as the primary language of the Horn of Africa.
Speaking at a national education forum in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh emphasized the importance of linguistic integration in strengthening regional cooperation, trade, and cultural understanding among East African nations.
He noted that Swahili, which is widely spoken in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, plays a crucial role in uniting the people of the region.
“The Horn of Africa needs a common language that connects our societies and supports regional unity. Kiswahili is already recognized by the African Union, and Somalia should not be left behind,” the president said.
The president’s directive encourages Somali universities to include Swahili language studies in their curricula, with the aim of preparing students for broader regional engagement in education, business, and diplomacy.
