Somaliland gained independence from Britain on 26th June 1960
By M.A. Egge
The President calls for unity and patriotism to safeguard and protect national unity and cohesion.
He made the call during the commemoration to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Somaliland from Britain whose main event was held at the Presidential palace of Somaliland.
The President was joined by the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, the Vice President, Chief Justice, the attorney general, parliamentarians, members of the cabinet, diplomats from international countries, politicians, leaders and many other invited guests.
First of all, the various artists of the nation opened the forum with oral poetry and concerts to exemplify the value of freedom and how important it is to protect it.
The head of the culture department of the Ministry of Information Mr. Mohamed Hassan Ali (Weji) recalled the profound happiness and hilarious atmosphere on the night of independence back in 26th June 1960 and lamented on the ill-fate union with the Italian Somaliland hence underpinned the fact that Somaliland lost a great opportunity to which she has been searching for many years.
The President’s representative in charge of Somaliland-Somalia talks Lady Edna Adan Ismail, also highlighted the difficult struggle for freedom, calling for nationalism to be restored after 30 years.
The Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Suleiman Mohamud Adan called on the people of Somaliland to stand firm for their independence and avoid anything that could harm the nation, he specifically addressed the issue of Lasaanood stressing the need to comply with the ceasefire called by the president.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi, first of all congratulated the people of Somaliland on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the independence of Somaliland from the British government.
This freedom was unconditionally transferred to the Southern Somalis who were under the Italian colonial rule.
President Musa Bihi Abdi recalled the struggles for the rights to be independent upto the time Somaliland gained her sovereignty.
He dispelled the fact that Somaliland joined the Italian Somaliland government of Mogadishu and averred that it was vice-versa since Somaliland was already a de-jure state.
He was convictional that the essence of 26th June and the nationhood of Somaliland ought to be underscored and defended at all costs hence should be acknowledged by the nations of the global world.
The president warned that peace and stability should not be undermined at all.
He called for patriotism to rein supreme, peaceful stability to be safeguarded and that public order is maintained.
He decried the fact that instability will not augur well for the national aspirations of international recognition.
President Muse Bihi Abdi spoke specifically about the violence in Lasanood, the capital of Sool region, saying that the government of Somaliland and its people are committed to strengthening peace in the region.
He said, “We must have peaceful stability. I have said before that the nation is in agreement and there is no one from Somaliland who does not call for peace in Lasaanod, and I believe that the citizens of Lasaanod also do want peace and stability”.
He reiterated his stand for initiating peaceful dialogue to end the political issue in Lasaanod as the best option.
The president said that the Somaliland forces on the outskirts of Lasaanod are constantly being provoked and attacked, and he noted that the army has the right to defend itself.
In culminating the gist of the celebration, the President stood by the flag-post as the national flag was hoisted at the stroke of midnight.