By Aisha Elmi in Mogadishu

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti—Djibouti is taking a bold new step in safeguarding and promoting its cultural identity by introducing “Xeer Ciise” into the national education curriculum. The initiative was announced during an international forum on December 18, 2024, where the Ministry of Youth and Culture, in collaboration with the National Agency for Cultural Development (ANPC), brought together historians, educators, and cultural experts to discuss the management and preservation of historical archives and indigenous knowledge.

“Xeer Ciise” is the traditional, clan-based customary law system of the Ciise people. Unlike formal, codified legal frameworks, “Xeer Ciise” is an oral tradition passed down through generations. Its scope extends beyond conflict resolution, guiding social behavior, ethics, resource management, and the transmission of moral values. Elders serve as custodians of this legal and cultural heritage, and their authority rests on consensus and deep knowledge of genealogical ties and longstanding precedents. Over time, this system has adapted to changing realities, thus remaining relevant and dynamic within Ciise communities.

By including “Xeer Ciise” in the national curriculum, Djibouti aims to familiarize young citizens with the country’s ancestral wisdom and intangible cultural heritage. At the forum, Minister of Youth and Culture, Dr. Hibo Moumin Assoweh, stressed the importance of teaching future generations the richness and depth of their national story—one that includes indigenous legal traditions as much as it does historical archives and literary sources. “History is about more than just documents in an archive,” she stated. “It is also about living traditions that have guided communities for centuries. ‘Xeer Ciise’ exemplifies this, and by including it in our curriculum, we give our students a more holistic understanding of who we are and where we come from.”

International experts, such as Professor Mbaye Thiam, praised Djibouti’s comprehensive approach to cultural preservation, noting that incorporating customary systems like “Xeer Ciise” helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and community-based wisdom. Another cultural heritage advocate, Bob Bobutaka Bateko, commended Djibouti’s leadership, highlighting that recognizing indigenous frameworks as part of the nation’s educational and cultural fabric sets a precedent for other East African nations.

This decision aligns with the broader effort to preserve Djibouti’s national archives and cultural heritage. The day’s forum at the National Library showcased a forward-looking vision: not only protecting documents and historical records but also actively engaging with indigenous traditions to foster a well-rounded understanding of the past. Students, scholars, and officials participated in spirited discussions, underscoring the value of indigenous law and ethics within modern statehood and national identity.

By integrating “Xeer Ciise” into the curriculum, Djibouti enriches its educational content and fortifies its cultural sovereignty. This move ensures that centuries-old customs do not fade quietly into history but continue to inform the moral compass and community values of generations to come. As Djibouti paves the way, it stands as a model for other countries seeking to honor their ancestral knowledge while preparing their youth for a future deeply connected to their cultural roots.