Join us for the 6th Afar Day (Qafar Ayro) celebration, taking place August 14-16, 2026 at The SJCC Event Center, 2707 Northland Plaza Dr, Columbus, OH 43231. This year’s gathering brings the Afar community together in Ohio to commemorate and honor our heritage, featuring cultural performances, community engagement, a graduation celebration, book signings, and more surprises. For more information, contact us at +1 614-779-2185, +1 904-450-9674, +1 614-937-1099, or +1 614-432-7295.
Special Guest: Mr. Mohamoda Ahmed Gaas
We are honored to announce that Mr. Mohamoda Ahmed Gaas, prominent statesman, peace-builder, and veteran Afar political leader, will be joining us at the 6th Afar Day in Columbus, Ohio.
A foundational figure in contemporary Afar politics, Mr. Gaas has dedicated his life to the unity, self-determination, and advancement of the Afar people. Among his key contributions: facilitating the historic alliance between Sultan Ali Mirah Hanfare and the Afar political elite that led to the founding of the Afar National Liberation Movement (ANLM); negotiating a landmark regional autonomy agreement with the Derg government on behalf of the Afar people; chairing the historic first Afar Conference (Gawani Conference); serving as First Secretary (Governor) of the Assab Autonomous Region; and uniting the three Uguugumo factions into the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front (ARDUF).
Drawing from decades of leadership in liberation struggle, diplomacy, and governance, Mr. Gaas will share his experience and insights on Afar unity and the role our communities, at home and in diaspora, can play in building a stronger future for our people. Join us August 14-16, 2026, and be part of these important conversations shaping the future of our people in diaspora.
Special Guest: Mr. Hamad Yacin Issa
We are honored to announce that Mr. Hamad Yacin Issa, one of the founders of Afar Friends in Sweden, a long-serving president of the organization, and a current executive committee member, will be joining us at the 6th Afar Day in Columbus, Ohio.
Mr. Hamad Yacin will share his experience and insights on the importance of building strong and organized diaspora communities, and the vital role they can play in supporting development, preserving culture, and advocating for their people back home.
Drawing from many years of leadership and community service, he will discuss how organized diaspora organizations can contribute to positive change, strengthen community ties, and help address challenges facing their homeland. Join us August 14-16, 2026, and be part of these important conversations shaping the future of our people in diaspora.
Special Guest: Dr. Habib Mohamed Hassen
We are honored to welcome back Dr. Habib Mohamed Hassen, renowned scholar, historian, linguist, and Head of the Culture and Language Institute, joining us for a second consecutive year.
After delivering an inspiring presentation on Afar history at last year’s Afar Day, Dr. Habib returns in 2026 to share his expertise on Qafar Madqa (Afar Customary Law): A Living System of Life, exploring how this framework has guided Afar society for generations in matters of justice, conflict resolution, social responsibility, and community cohesion, and is soon to be considered for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Join us August 14-16, 2026, for this unique opportunity to learn from one of the leading scholars of Afar history and culture.
