Somaliland
London meeting on Somaliland’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence
June 20, 2012 · 40 Comments
Somalilanders mark their 52nd anniversary of independence in Freedom Park in Hargeisa, Somaliland (Yusuf Dahir).
IT has been 52 years from the independence of Somaliland on 26th June 1960. Somaliland people ended 73 years of British rule in peaceful manner, unlike many African countries who gained bloodshed sovereignty. At the start of British rule, the Somalilanders accepted British into Somaliland with conditions including that British must leave the country anytime asked.
Secretary of State for the Colonies (1959-1961) Iain Macleod announced independence of Somaliland after extensive meetings with Somaliland politicians including Statesman Mohamed H. I. Egal in London on constitution and independence related topics. Mr. Macleod underscored that people of Somaliland demanded the independence, and based on earlier agreements, Her Majesty, the Queen decided to fulfill the wish of the people of Somaliland to unite with Italian Somaliland, which ended UN Trusteeship on 1st July 1960.
Somaliland, Nigeria and British Cameroon become independent same period of time. Britain’s handover of Reserve Area (currently part of 5th Region of Ethiopia) to Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie accelerated the end of 80 years of British protectorate. Such handover triggered anger between Somalilanders and all people wore white sheet on their forehead, as an expression of disappointment.
The newly-born nation of State of Somaliland was celebrated for two days across the country from Elayo to Lowya Addo. Statesman Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal was nominated as Prime Minister by the elected parliament of State of Somaliland until 14th July 1960. He was MP elected from Berbera City and General Secretary of SNL Party. A large number of dignitaries attended the celebration including Speaker of the Parliament in Italian “Somalia” Mr. Aden Abdallah Osman (Aden Adde). Mr. Aden Osman, who was later nominated as first President of Somali Republic, said during the Somaliland flag-hoisting ceremony “the people of Italian Somalia were eagerly awaiting independence”.
A message from the Queen was delivered in Hargeisa by Mr. T. E. Bromley, British Consul-General, on the occasion on Somaliland Independence Day. The Message said: “I, my Government and my people in the United Kingdom, wish you well on this day of independence. The connection between our people goes back some 130 years and British administration of the Protectorate for 60 years. I look forward to a continuing and enduring friendship between our two countries.”
The elected Prime Minister of State of Somaliland Mohamed H. I. Egal responded with a tribute to the British association, saying: “We have not always seen eye to eye, but we share a Common ideal in the simple things of life. This is not the end of British-Somali relations. These relations are simply taking another shape for the better.”
Old British house in Sheikh Hussein Somalilland (Eric Lafforgue)
Unfortunately, the independent Somaliland united with Italian “Somalia” unconditionally throwing away its sovereignty. The dark history of Somaliland started exactly after the unity, where angry Somalilanders plotted a coup just one year from the unity to restore their misplaced nation, but failed. Somalilanders lost all their rights in the new Somali Republic.
Until today, Somalians failed to understand the reality on Somaliland-Somalia relations. They claim of discussing with Somaliland about possible remarriage, while Somaliland government underlined that Somaliland sovereignty is not negotiable and Somaliland can talk to “Somalia” on sorting out the shared issues, and that Somaliland will help “Somalia” on democratization and post-war conflict resolutions.
I personally believe talking to Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of “Somalia” at the present will be unfruitful because of many factors: Foreign Forces are protecting the TFG offices and too weak to stand on its feet. TFG don’t control majority of the “Somalia”, in another meaning, TFG government in Mogadishu don’t represent Somalians. TFG mandate will end mid-August, and it is almost impossible for TFG to establish complete functioning government all over the former Italian “Somalia” in the remaining days. The international community accused President of TFG Sheikh Sharif and his cabinet ministers for financial irregularities, which puts under suspicion.
TFG is appointing Somaliland-born individuals in both its negotiation committee for Somaliland-Somalia Dialogue in London and the cabinet, which shows TFG’s lack of respect of the desire and decision of the people of Somaliland. Somaliland must speak to TFG only if it avoids the appointment of Somaliland-born mercenaries, who are after money and personal gains in Mogadishu.
The international community cannot block Somaliland right of self-determination due to instability in “Somalia”. Somaliland people who support Somaliland Independence can easily make more than 80% of the 3.5 million population of Somaliland. We know that 51% voted for independence in Montenegro, where Bosnia Herzegovina and East Timor had large Anti-Independence groups during referendums in these territories. These minorities of such countries could not stop the majority, and Somaliland will be a nation in the very near future.
The below link carries the World Press reaction to Somaliland Independence Day on 26th June 1960: http://somalilandpress.com/somaliland-independence-26th-june-1960-the-world-press-6954
By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi
Follow @somalilandpressTags: Aden Osman, Britain, Independence, Italy, Mohamed H Ibrahim Egal, Somalia, Somaliland news
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Our own little Tahrir Square! Somaliland will be free of Somalia soon. NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY , GOOOOOOOODBYEEEEEEE
You are funny.
No she is not !!
We all have different shared perspectives.
And she needs medical help, if an adult talks like that shame on you
Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal sold Somaliland for few lira without consulting anyone. Today we would have better union but because Egal only thought of his own interest and the southern leaders were trained by the Italian mafia——-they ruined the union and separations for everyone.
The likes of Egal are responsible for both the lost of the union and Somaliland. They were men who only thought of their own pockets and gains. Today his son is a refugee just like the rest of us…what did he gain?
The union would have been healthier if we waited until the south stood on its own feets and the north formed strong institutions and at least Hargeisa and northern towns had foundations. But before anything was developed in the north, he took his own interest to the south causing the north to be resentful and the north never developed the right foundations.
When Egal went to the south, the south was under military and UN trusteeship and had no parliament, no constitution, nothing just a town built by the Italians.
The north never tried a coup like Mukhtari says, the south tried the first coup on their own in the town of Walaweyn and became associated with them. Just like today forces are brought in from Uganda and beyond, the army was brought in from Somaliland to restore law and order in the south.
South Somalia had no military or police, they used to have Italian forces and those were crashed by the Allies during WW2 and they fled. Then Britain moved its east African forces to South Somalia till it was transferred to the UN.
Somaliland on the other hand had army known as the Camel corps and police and were part of WW2 and fought with the British in places such as Burma or Myanmar and Singapore.
Somalia's police and army (SNA) were built around the Somaliland camel corps and police and to this day carry their symbols. See: http://www.bederwanaag.com/Images/somalilandcamel…
and now see: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7…
The likes of Egal messed it up. If we waited till Somalia gained its own independence and the two functioned side by side as equal partners, today we would not have all these problems.
Thanks for killing so many Somalis Egal. I think Michael Mariano did a better job and to those that support SSC, the SSC was actually with Michael Mariano and urged Egal not to rush…but thanks to him he only served his own interest.
@kayse.
you completely wrong what you wrote most of it.remember igal never force nothern somalis unity rest of somalia whole community voted for That.
what you need to understand is from 1960-1968 somalis had civilain elected goverment prosperous stable state.
This is the most bizarre rant, i must say hindsight is a wonderful thing and we are all ways wise after the event. At least one thing you can say about Egal (AUN) he rectified the mistakes of the past by unifying Somaliland, if it was not for Mohamed Ibrahim Egal there would be no Somaliland, becuase thanks to your hero Abdirahman Tuur the country was in danger of being torn apart by habar-habar wars.
The thing is Egal realised his mistakes and built the Somaliland we have today, unlike some who even with benefit of hindsight are still blinded by somaliwayne, despite i might add all the humiliation and marginalisation of ISAAQ's in the political sphere in old Somalia. So i suggest you start showing respect to a great man who achieved so much for Somaliland and its people and what ever mistakes he may have commited in the past are far outweighedt by what he achieved later in his illustrious career.
Hey, you need to study the history very well. Mr. Egal did not hand over Somaliland, but the public were enthusiastic towards SomaliWayn dream. The Somaliland people and parliament decided to hand over, and even Michal Mariano of NUF Party tried to stop the public storm but it was tsunami and difficult to stop. SNL and USP led the untiy…
Remember, Mr.Egal is the father of today's Modern Somaliland, and without Egal, we could have been nothing. Mr. Egal was nice gentlemen and loved his country.
Kayse I strongly agree with you; but i don't think others do because you come across as extremely arrogant
Warya. you moron one point you are saying that Somaliland should stay in the 'union' and not break through, but hold on is Egal ( may allah grant him to paradise) who through his clean hearth and the love of his people enter into the union who you putolanders destroyed. so hush and sit back you big foreheaded low life midgaan
Somaliland will not return to a cycle of abuse and neglect and will not re- negotiate its independence. The nationalistic fever of 1960 was destroyed when the clan based regime of Siyaad Barre bombed Somaliland from air, land and sea. Those Somalilanders who have been hired by the TFG warlords to represent them during London conference are nothing but mafia who wants to collect few dollars.
South Yemen jointed North Yemen 1990 because they knew unite under one Yemen they became Strong divide they fail. North Somalia jointed 1960 South Somalia their brothers and sisters to became strong one Somalia Republic. Unfortunately mistake happened in the past now we are on the path of reconciliation and forgiveness to each other and move forward. Somalia their best interest is to come together set down and form good government and make the union stronger inshaallah that will happen.
South Yemen did not join North Yemen by its own, but the Forces of Ali Abdullah Salah, Northern Leader, captured by force and brought South Yemen under his regime. Today, President of former South Yemen is in America and dont want go back.
Today, the South Yemenis are suffering, as they do not get fair treatment from Sanaa Regime. Someday, the South Yemen will take arms against the Northern oppression, and that will be very near. I personally spoke many people from South Yemen and they all agreed that South Yemen is under occupation from North… Guys unity must benefit the people not suppress them, and if you pressure the person one day will come against you….
Remember that late Somaliland President 1993 – 2002, Mr. Mohamed Egal supported South Yemen during Ali Abdullah Salah war in Southern Yemen… He supported South Yemen because he knew the suppression that they are going through and the force the leader Salah used to occupy Aden City.
supported him with what for gods sake. maa xaar bu ku sheeday
Here we go again the snake head buffoon adds another title to his bag, Mr. know it all. Can someone tell me where he gets all this chunk? the living was not enough for him and now he is talking ill of the dead. Not only that, he is rewriting Somaliland’s history in the process. I abhor a person whom lying about things comes so easy.
I do not understand why Somalians are coming to SomalilandPress and beg for reuniting with Somaliland. Guys open your eyes wider, and you will see that SomaliWayn Policy is dead, and will never comeback. Remember Somaliland united with Somalia to bring the five-Somali-Speaking parts in the Horn of Africa together under one government, but failed.
Djibouti was first to end such dream of SomaliWeyn in 1977. Djibouti rejected to united Somalia after independence in 1977, and that reshaped the FIVE-Edged-STAR into FOUR-Edged-STAR. Again, Somali-Kenyans participated in Kenya Elections and accepted Kenya as their home. and this reduced the star into three-edged. Again, Somali-Ethiopians decided recently to stay in Ethiopia peacefully after many years of fighting, this reduced the star into two-edged.
So, Somaliwayn which was the primary concept of the 1st July 1960 unity varnished, and after such idea varnished, Somaliland decided to get is share back… and Now Italian Somalia is standing along and shaky without help, and they need to sort out their problems…..
As long as, the Somaliland-Somalia unity was first step of achieving SomaliWayn Dread, and such dream is dead now, can anyone tell me why Somaliland should stay with failed Somalia?!!!!
NO one is beging anyone here your not reading between The lines,s/land have not achieved anything concrete accept security also Puntland does.
Today what we see in s/alnd is high unemployment fighting some parts in The north, no real infrastructure besides recycling old tarmat hargiesa airport corruption is rife.
NFD somalis & somalis in ethops never had chance own referndum,your getting wrong here Djibouti population are not 100% somali 39% are oromo and anfar.
OMG you don't know history right ? Djibouti people rejected the idea because of the deportation of thousand of somali by the french. They did it because Afar were more keen to stay out of Somaliweyn idea. And the rest of the somali territory in the horn have no say in joining Somalia.
Djibouti didn't reject the union even though it was a difficult period for Somalia because of the war with Ethiopia. A bid by Djibouti to forge into a union with Somalia was blocked by the IC in particular by France for two main reasons. First it feared if Djibouti joined Somalia, the Somalis were most likely to kick French military out considering Somalia was an ally of the USSR and secondly there was the Afar population who would have been swallowed up in greater Somalia.
Djiboutis were poor and were eager to join the union but France wasn't willing to let go of its bases.
kayse.
your right here mate.
You Kayse is retarded right? The guy doesnt know history and makes stuff up! Everyone knows this, what I want to know is why Somalilandpress lets the likes of him and almagmag constantly post? Xarago xaarwayne add her to that too. But Somalilandpress also publishes bogus stories from wanna be journalists to so please tell me why Landers should take this place seriously? When you allow haters to post without banning them? When you fail to hold wanna be journalists to actually prove their accusations before posting bs to harm our fragile and hard fought for country?
SomaliladnPress just whos side are you on?
Somalilandpress is for all Somalis and I am sure they do not care about two members of two subclans, I mean its all business. Two subclans are not viable, go ask Dhiigshiil why it has branches in Somalia and not stick to west Burao alone.
What is there to be banned for? You guys need to get over your emotions and stop locking yourselves in even smaller rooms than Morgan's House.
Somalia's insistence in claiming that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory is not based on covet but is based on the fact that many of our people in as many regions in the boundary of former British Protectorate of Somaliland do not want to have any thing with your separation agenda. In all honest I don't mind that anyone leaves the union as long as they don't force others into their misguided project of carving up Somalia.
Abdullahi Isse who was supposed to become the first prime minster of Italian Somaliland lost his position because you people were pressing so hard for union while he did not want to have any of it. Today, you are basing your separation on emotionalism and on the fact that there was a white colonialist in your turf or on the actions of ruthless dictator who is already dead. Let us hope this time you have a better luck with your new adventures.
@omer mohamed : "Mr. Egal did not hand over Somaliland, but the public were enthusiastic towards SomaliWayn dream. The Somaliland people and parliament decided to hand over, and even Michal Mariano of NUF Party tried to stop the public storm but it was tsunami and difficult to stop. SNL and USP led the unity… " EXACTLY !! That is what i was tryin to pinpoint !!
Like Israel the whole concept of modern Somaliland is based on the supposed hate of somalia toward them. But here is my question : Do you have a single national celebration that doesn't include Somalia-Bashing before or after ?
Think about it for a minute and tell me right after.
nope ..because we were persecuted by Siad Barre and his evil-minded ilks!!
Well durrr We have wonderful free and fair elections. We also have May 18th to remember to celebrate our achievements. Stop flattering yourselves, we barely talk or discuss about Somalia except wishing well on our fellow Somalis.
We also have Youth Day, Sports Week, National Book festival in Hargeisa, list could go on mate
If anything its you people that can never stop talking or bad mouthing Somaliland as proven by the likes of you and their takeover of Somalilandpress
"Secretary of State for the Colonies (1959-1961) Iain Macleod announced independence of Somaliland after extensive meetings with Somaliland politicians including Statesman Mohamed H. I. Egal in London on constitution and independence related topics." How come you never mentioned Michael Maryama & Dubbe Ali Yare?
Somalia is one country and the so called independence can only be given to you by the republic of Somalia which we will not give you .
they will have to ..or it is a WAR! ..choose wisely!
down 1/7/1960 sad day for somalilanders down once again down reunited
just like before the all clans live in former British somaliland agreed on unity, also have to agree on seperation not just one tribe..
SNL were issaq unionist.
USP led by dhuloz, waroos and gadabuusi.. was formed in sool region near lasnood place called Gol-khatumo,… just like old days we hoping Waroos and gadabuuri brothers willl join us thats why we brought the name back
Not really, Samarons know where the Dir family is and the few that support Awdal State are just angry over the Dilla killings.
As for Khaatumo, even Warsangelis don't support that and want their own Makhiir State, forget that even within the Dhulos you have pro-Sland, TFG, Puntland, Khaatumo and SSC. For example Buhoodle supports SSC while Taleex wants Khaatumo. They even have two different traditional leaders that dont get along.
I dont think Samroons care about Dir family they just want live where they dont feel minority..
Sool is four district expect lasnood district rest are under of khaatumo rule.
as for reer buuhoodle were something to do with xaglo-toosiye he came around already…
and lets be honest those pro-landers are just the jibjiro they support either to get back on puntland or for money not because they love somaliland. the 13 traditional leaders are against . just being honest dee lol
puntland and khatumo on the other hand are busy on each other over tukoraq camp instead recupturing lascanod.
faroole also is angery not being part of somaliland vs somalia talks so he ran to jigjiga on the day i think puntland and khaatumo will work out thier differences dhuloz are not that divided now
Just like the relations of tyrannts to complain about Landers! Aye! your bad leaders face it and your not a majority in the regions your claiming so sit your ignorant greedy ar se down. Seriously the somali people have collectively had enough of you!
VIVA SOMALILAND!
Actions speak louder than words. Just look at em begging and crying like little b y tches!
NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY GOOOOODBYE!
Sorry but your lot have a collective IQ of tur d nugget! 21 years and all you have to show for it is toxic waste dumping, piracy, rape, murder, thievary and your angery about Landers who want to live in peace?
How about you show charity to those in your own lands before pointing fingers!
^angry
What as stupid remarks all over! Unfortunately, this is how the Somalis look at each other, anger, hatred and arguments are driven by a bias passion not a sincere intention to make a logical point. For example, the writer of this article kept saying Italian "Somalia" when it was called Italian Somaliland. The quotations and the word Somalia were intentionally laid in this way as if the south was not once called Somaliland and the entirety of that word only and only belongs to the British Somaliland. Now, if you're saying that Somalia is begging you, then logically why you begging Khatumo State to be part of you. If you claim that you respect the people's will and you promote democracy then why not to respect those guys and let them have there own share of this ongoing process. But hey, we're only chatting here, there is nothing important is going to be made for Somalis whether you from the north or the south. The big guys who are sleeping on the millions there are going to do anything for other millions. We are not here to fight each other but these replies give you the quickest overview of where the bonds and love stands between Somalis.