Somalia commemorates its 63rd Independence Day... A wreath of loyalty is laid at the Daghh Tor monument

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Somalia commemorated the 66th anniversary of its independence in a national atmosphere filled with pride and honor, as the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, laid a wreath at the Daghah Tore memorial in the capital, Mogadishu, in commemoration of the sacrifices of the heroes who contributed to the country’s independence and the end of the colonial era.

This national occasion comes as part of the annual celebrations of the 26th of June, the day that witnessed the independence of the northern regions of Somalia in 1960, heralding the beginning of a new phase in the history of the country and the dawn of freedom and national sovereignty.

Daqah Tour... a symbol of resistance and struggle

The Dagh Tore monument holds a special place in the Somali national memory, as it embodies the struggle against colonialism and symbolizes popular resistance.

The name means «throw the stone» in Somali, a phrase that has been associated with calls to resist the occupier and has become a symbol of national struggle.

The memorial stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by the Somali people during their march towards independence, and it represents a key milestone in national celebrations that commemorate the heroism of the fighters who contributed to the liberation of the country.

June 26th... A historical milestone

June 26th represents one of the most important milestones in modern Somali history, as it was on this day that the northern part of the country declared its independence from British colonialism in 1960, before the northern and southern regions united a few days later to establish the Somali Republic.

Every year, the state is keen to commemorate this occasion by organizing official and popular events, including wreath-laying ceremonies, national performances, and cultural activities that highlight the national struggle.

Recalling the sacrifices of heroes and strengthening national unity

Independence Day celebrations embody the meanings of loyalty to the fighters who sacrificed their lives for freedom and independence, and reflect the state’s keenness to consolidate the values of national unity and belonging and to promote awareness of the country’s history among new generations.

The occasion emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from the past and strengthening national cohesion in the face of current challenges, in order to support efforts for stability, development and rebuilding state institutions.

A national occasion that promotes Somali identity

The sixty-sixth anniversary of independence is a unifying national occasion during which Somalis recall important pages of their history and renew their commitment to preserving the unity of the country and safeguarding the gains of independence.