Tuesday July 1, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alongside
senior commanders of the Somali National Army and government officials,
attended a national flag-raising ceremony on Monday night to commemorate the
65th anniversary of Somalia’s independence and unity.
The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu,
featured a formal salute to the President by units of the Somali National Army.
It marked a symbolic tribute to the historic unification of the country’s
northern and southern regions in 1960.
Somalia’s southern territories gained independence from
Italy in July 1960, while the northern regions, now known as Somaliland, became
independent from British rule on June 26 of the same year. Just days later, on
July 1, both regions united to form the Somali Republic.
In his remarks, President Mohamud paid tribute to the Somali
people's enduring struggle for freedom and national unity. He praised the
significant contributions of the northern regions in achieving independence and
fostering unification.
The President also emphasized the country’s ongoing fight
against terrorism and the government’s commitment to state-building and
national reconciliation.
"This day reminds us of our shared history and the
sacrifices made for a united Somalia. We must honor that legacy by working
together to secure peace, stability, and development," he said.
Nationwide celebrations marking the occasion included
military parades, cultural performances, and public events reflecting on
Somalia’s achievements and challenges over the past six and a half decades.