Somalia marks 59 years of independence with further calls for unity

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The president of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo led the nation during the celebrations of the 59th anniversary in Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

The flag of Somalia, with its distinct five-point white star on a blue background, was raised at midnight on the hill-top Presidential palace in Mogadishu and in Puntland capital, Garowe to commemorate the Independence Day.

Speaking at the occasion, president Farmajo whose 4-year-term expires next year, 2020 called for unity among Somalis and promised that his Government would strive to maintain the unity of the Horn of Africa country.

UN envoy congratulatory message

The new United Nations [UN] envoy for Somalia, James Swan has congratulated the people and government of Somalia on the 59th anniversary of the country’s independence.

In a statement, Swan said July 1 is a great day for all Somalis at home and abroad despite the many challenges, including insecurity, terrorism and political crisis they continue to face.

The representative said that the UN and international partners are working closely with Somalia to help achieve progress on security, economic development, good governance, inclusivity, and response to humanitarian needs.

Also, the European Union (EU) extended most sincere congratulations to the Somali people on the 59th Anniversary of Somalia Independence Day.

July 1 marks the unity day of two Somali regions, former British Somaliland protectorate and southern Somalia under the Italian colony. The merger of the two regions marked the birth of the Republic of Somalia 1st July 1960.

The independence celebrations were held amid security challenges, especially threats from the Al-Qaida allied terror group which has been fighting to topple the government.

Somalia has endured more than two decades of civil war, political splits, including separatist Somaliland declaring unilateral independence from the southern regions in 1991, a year after the former military regime was ousted.

GAROWE ONLINE