Somaliland writer and scholar Said Jama Hussein has passed away.

Somaliland writer and scholar Said Jama Hussein died from cancer in London, UK on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.  

Said Jama Hussein was a well-known Somali scholar, intensely devoted to the promotion of the Somali language and culture. He is the author of Shufbeeland and Safar Aan Jaho Lahayn; both are collections of short stories and literary essays. His most recent work Ma Innaguun Baa! also published by Ponte Invisibile, comprises of short stories and personal memoirs. He was the co-translator with Clare Pollard and Maxamed Xasan ‘Alto’ of Asha Lul Mohamud Yusuf’s The Sea Migrations (Somali title: Tahriib), published by Bloodaxe Books with The Poetry Translation Centre in 2017.

Sharing news of his death the Hargeysa Cultural centre said, “We are mourning the passing of Said Jama Hussein, one of the greatest writers and literary giants of our time. Said was an author, scholar, and teacher whose efforts in promoting the Somali literary production was memorable. He was a strong pillar of @HargeysaCC & @HIBF.”