President Mohamud Honours Independence Heroes at Dhagaxtuur Monument

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has laid a wreath at the Dhagaxtuur Monument in Mogadishu, paying tribute to the men and women who fought for the country’s independence from colonial rule.

The ceremony formed part of events marking the 65th anniversary of 26 June 1960, when the former British Somaliland gained independence and the Somali flag was first raised over free Somali territory.

In a statement, the presidency said the wreath-laying honoured the sacrifices of Somali nationalists whose struggle paved the way for the country’s independence.

The Dhagaxtuur Monument is one of Somalia’s best-known national landmarks, commemorating the anti-colonial struggle and serving as a focal point for annual independence celebrations.

The 26 June anniversary is observed as a key milestone in Somalia’s modern history, preceding the union of the former British Somaliland with the Trust Territory of Somalia on 1 July 1960 to form the Somali Republic.

Government officials have used this year’s commemorations to renew calls for national unity, reconciliation and the preservation of Somalia’s sovereignty.