At the headquarters of the Khartoum International Institute for the Arabic Language, on Sunday 14 June 2026, a ceremony was held to install the Institute’s new director, Professor Magdy Hussein Abdul Maarouf. Professor Ali Abdullah Al-Naeem, the former acting director, was also honoured on the occasion of the end of his term in charge of the Institute. This took place under the supervision of the envoy of His Excellency the Director-General of ALECSO, Mr Yahya Mansar, and in the presence of the Institute’s staff, the vice-president of the University of Africa, and a host of professors and scholars.

On behalf of the staff, the Institute’s expert, Professor Ibrahim Noureen Ibrahim, spoke, thanking Professor Ali Al-Naeem for his achievements, his follow-up and his dedication to developing the Institute.

His Excellency the Director-General, Professor Mohamed Ould Amar, also honoured Professor Ali Al-Naeem with the ALECSO shield on the occasion of the end of his term of administration, presented on his behalf by Mr Yahya Mansar, in appreciation of the scientific and administrative efforts made by the honoree during his term running the Institute. The Institute’s staff also presented him with a commemorative gift in loyalty and appreciation of his distinguished contribution and in reverence for the good impact he left in their hearts.

Professor Ali Al-Naeem thanked His Excellency the Director-General for this honour, and also thanked him for his care and great attention to the Institute and its staff, especially during the period of unrest experienced by the host country, praising his close follow-up of the Institute’s academic and administrative achievements, including the new building funded by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.

On this occasion, he also reviewed the historical record of the leaders who successively headed the administration of the Institute, beginning with Professor Zain al-Abidin al-Hussein, and including His Excellency Ambassador Jamal Mohamed Ahmed, Ambassador Ahmed Abdul Halim, Professor Awn al-Sharif Qasim and Professor Hashim Obeid – may God have mercy on them – and Professor Abdul Rahim Ali – may God prolong his life. He wished the new director, Professor Magdy Abdul Maarouf, God’s guidance and that He guide his steps.

Professor Magdy Abdul Maarouf, the new director, welcomed Mr Yahya Mansar, who supervised the handover process, and also welcomed the attendees and praised the former director, his fine record and his clear achievements during his tenure running the Institute. He promised to do his utmost, together with the host country and in coordination with the General Administration, to rebuild the Institute, calling on all staff to work in the spirit of one team and to demonstrate transparency and integrity. He extended his thanks to the International University of Africa, which hosted the ceremony, and to the professors and staff of the Institute in attendance.

For his part, Mr Yahya Mansar expressed his pleasure at this gathering, conveying to the esteemed attendees the greetings of His Excellency the Director-General, Professor Mohamed Ould Amar, and his wishes for the Khartoum International Institute for the Arabic Language for continued success and for continuing to carry out its academic mission. He extended his thanks to Professor Ali Al-Naeem for the efforts he made during his administration.

He also congratulated the Institute’s new director, wishing him success.