Hargeisa International Book Fair for 2020 has been cancelled over COVID-19 fears. The book fair has been held for the last 12 years without fail or any interruption.
However, the organizers acknowledge that this year’s event would be difficult to hold because of the novel coronavirus that continues to ravage the world.
The government of Somaliland has been forced to impose several measures designed to curb the spread of the virulent disease around the country.
Such measures include banning all public gatherings.
Furthermore, the people of Somaliland are encouraged to observe social distancing, sanitize their hands regularly, and observe curfew.
This year’s book fair was scheduled to take place from July 20-25, 2020.
Nevertheless, organizers have announced a new series known as Africa 40 and 40 Webinar Series, which tackles the impact of COVID-19. The webinar series would be hosted digitally.