Somalia Honours Contributors to Independence Week Commemorations

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdifatah Qasim Mahmoud, on Wednesday honoured individuals and institutions that played prominent roles in organizing and supporting this year’s Independence Week commemorations, saying the government would continue recognizing those who contribute to national celebrations.

Speaking at an awards ceremony in Mogadishu, Mahmoud said the recognition was intended to acknowledge the efforts of people and organizations involved in events marking Somalia’s Independence Week, which commemorates the country’s path to independence and national unity.

“The recognition reflects our appreciation for the dedication shown during the Independence Week celebrations,” the minister said, according to the Ministry of Information. He added that the government planned to further strengthen future commemorations and continue acknowledging individuals who contribute to preserving and promoting the national celebrations.

The ceremony brought together representatives from Somalia’s security agencies, the Banadir regional administration, officials from the Ministry of Information, members of the national music troupe Waaberi, social media content creators and youth volunteers who participated in organizing the events.

Somalia marks Independence Week annually with a series of official ceremonies, cultural performances and public events commemorating June 26, 1960, when British Somaliland gained independence, and July 1, 1960, when it united with the former Italian-administered territory to form the Somali Republic. The commemorations are among the country’s most prominent national events and are intended to celebrate Somalia’s history and national identity.