Somalia commemorates its independence day

As Somalis celebrate 56 years of independence, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has urged them to dedicate themselves to defending the country’s freedom and sovereignty.

On this day Somalia commemorates the beginning of new nation after achieving freedom from the colonial powers and merging to form one nation. The day is marked with speeches fostering unity and peace, hoisting of flag, signing of national anthem and colorful police parade.

On July 1st 1960, the present-day north and south Somalia, which were under British and Italian control respectively, merged to form one nation—the Republic of Somalia, thus ushering a new chapter in the history of the country.

These regions were then called British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland, and there were other territories which now form part of present-day Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti, which was then a French colony and was referred to as French Somaliland.

A special ceremony was held at the recently renovated Mogadishu’s municipal Council, commemorating the 55th anniversary of Somalia’s independence on Wednesday.

The ceremony was attended by government officials including Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke.

Later in his speech, Mr Mohamoud asked the people to cherish Independence Day calling it a day of sacrifice, unity and solidarity.

“There are two important pillars behind the freedom and dignity of this country,” Mohamoud said. “Sacrifice and devotion as well as solidarity, confidence and unity.”

Somalia officially became Somalia Republic on July 1st 1960, after British protectorate of Somalia joined and Italian Somaliland. Since then this day has been observed as the Independence Day of Somalia.