Somalia Marks 66th Independence Day with Military Parade and Renewed Calls for Unity

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia marked the 66th anniversary of its Independence and Unity Day on Wednesday with a military parade in Mogadishu, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged citizens to unite behind efforts to strengthen security, democracy and national development.

The celebrations, attended by senior government officials, diplomats and thousands of residents, featured a guard of honour and a ceremonial parade by the Somali National Armed Forces, highlighting the government’s efforts to rebuild and professionalise the country’s security institutions.

Addressing the nation, President Mohamud praised the peaceful participation of young Somalis and said unity and social cohesion were essential to protecting the country’s hard-earned gains.

“We must unite our minds, our strength and our collective resolve to safeguard our hard-earned gains and together achieve the lasting prosperity we aspire to,” he said.

The president also joined thousands of people gathered at Taleh Junction in Mogadishu, a public appearance his office portrayed as reflecting improved security in the capital, although authorities maintained heightened security measures across the city throughout the celebrations.

The anniversary commemorates July 1, 1960, when the former UN-administered Trust Territory of Somalia gained independence from Italy and united with the former British Somaliland Protectorate, which had become independent five days earlier, to form the Somali Republic.

This year’s celebrations come as Somalia continues military operations against Al-Shabaab, advances preparations for planned universal suffrage elections, and seeks stronger diplomatic and economic partnerships across Africa and beyond.

Recently, President Mohamud held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, while the African Union reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and ongoing security transition under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Independence Day celebrations were also held across several federal member states and by Somali diplomatic missions abroad, with international partners including the United Kingdom and Ukraine sending messages of congratulations and reaffirming their commitment to cooperation with Somalia.