National Flag Day marked in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, October 12, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalis have marked National Flag Day with colourful events across the country as UN-backed government is fending off Al Shabaab threats, Garowe Online reports.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke led major event held at Mogadishu municipalities on Monday.

Bands clad in Somali flag entertained crowds with national anthem and songs in support of unity and peace.

Mohamed Awale Liban founded the blue flag with white star at the center in 1954, six years before the country attained its independence.

Prime Minister Sharmarke urged Somali people to preserve unity, and spoke of the country’s long struggle for independence.

“The flag was not made for the republic only; it is an emblem for Somalis everywhere. We are united by that flag,” said Sharmarke.

On his side, President Mohamud asked regional governments to pride themselves with the flag, quashing rumours over modifications to the elements of the blue flag.

“Somalia flag is 60s one. It will not be altered and reports of proposed modification are untrue. [National flag] will be as it is,” the president stressed.

Every year, Somalis celebrate the founding of the country’s flag on October 12. 

GAROWE ONLINE