Mogadishu (Halbeeg)- Somalia marks 58 years of independence and the birth of the Republic of Somalia after former British Somaliland Protectorate and Southern Somalia under Italian rule merged in 1960.
The annual event is celebrated on the first of July each year.
The date also marks the union of two territories: the former Italian Somaliland or Southern Somalia and former British Somaliland or Northern Somalia; the two formed the present day the Somali Republic.
As the clock ticked midnight in Somalia, the blue flag with a five-pointed star was raised at the local government headquarters in Mogadishu with thousands of fireworks light up the sky over the seaside city.
Somalis from all walks of life have marched across their country to celebrate the Independence Day.
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi who Farmajo graced the occasion sent his heartfelt cheerful congratulation to Somali people where ever they are to this independent day that comes 58 years later.
He wished to Somali people happiness, steady progress and property.
“I congratulate all of the Somali people for being free to celebrate important national days,” said the president.
Mr. Farmajo has called for unity and cooperation terming the Independence Day unification Symbol.
Marking these Independence days remind us how we joined our hands yesterday to materialise the vision of our people. And if we hold each other’s hands today, We can a build beautiful future,” he encouraged the public.
Fifty-eight years down the line the country is still facing a wide variety of challenges- on top of them Al-Shabab, poverty, Secessionist Somaliland.
Northern regions of Somalia (now Somaliland) declared secession in1991 after Somalia’s central government was toppled.
The celebrations which on Sunday occurred in the Somali capital Mogadishu and other parts of the country have been observed in Hargeisa, the administrative capital of Somaliland.
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