PM Barre Urges National Unity on 65th Anniversary of Northern Regions’ Liberation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has urged citizens to confront tribalism and division, calling for a renewed national unity as the country marked 65 years since the liberation of its Northern Regions from colonial rule.

Speaking during a commemoration ceremony at Mogadishu’s Hamar Municipal Government House, Barre said the anniversary should not just be a moment of celebration, but a time to reflect on the country’s deep-rooted challenges.

“After 65 years, unity remains elusive,” the Prime Minister said. “We must confront tribalism, fix what has broken, and embrace wisdom and collective purpose if we are to move forward as one nation.”

His remarks come ahead of the July 1 anniversary that marks the unification of the North and South into the Somali Republic in 1960, a dream Barre said was born out of sacrifice, but remains incomplete.

“Independence was won with blood, not given freely. Those sacrifices demand more from us, they demand unity,” he said.

Barre’s address struck a tone both sober and urgent, as Somalia continues to face political fragmentation, regional tensions, and the lingering effects of decades-long conflict.

The event brought together senior government officials and community leaders in a show of national reflection, but the Prime Minister’s speech made clear that symbolic ceremonies must be matched with serious nation-building efforts.

“We owe it to those who came before us, and those yet to come, to build a Somalia that is united, just, and whole,” Barre said.