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July 1, 1960, the black day in Somaliland, in which Somaliland lost their GOD Given Independenc
Somaliland gained its independence after 73 years of British rule, the successor state of British Somaliland, which, as a brief independent state of Somaliland, joined former Somali Italians in 1960.
In 1960, when the British Empire came to an end, the Union flag was lowered in Somalliand and elsewhere in Africa and the world.
On 26 June 1960. Somaliland has been recognized as a sovereign country.
During its short existence of less than a week, the state of Somaliland was internationally recognized: 35 countries, including China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Israel, Libya and the Soviet Union.
June 26th 1960 was a day where an unprecedented public displays were presented in all four corners of Somaliland, the happiness’s, the impressions given of an orderly transfer of power, and of the continuing warm and friendly relations between the British and Somaliland officials have been often only part of the story.
Millions of people in Hargeisa and the rest of the country joyfully and passionately gathered and were dancing In the streets of every city, district and villages, bonfires blazed from the hills and fireworks burst in the sky at last midnight spelled the end of Britain’s rule in Somaliland, the parades, the speeches, the poetry at the stroke of the midnight hour, the lowering of the Union Jack and the raising of the new Somaliland national flag
After a four-day transition to independence, this independence was ephemeral or short lived, On 1 July 1960, Somaliland rapidly joined the former Italian Somalia without any political constraints or conditions, for no other reason than the dream of forming Greater Somalia and the future unity of the five Somali-speaking nations in the Horn of Africa.
In the summer of 1960, British Somaliland, like most of the former British colonies, had decided to become a republic upon becoming independent,
However, contrary to many of them, Somaliland had decided not to join the Commonwealth, even more unusual, it has not turned into independent or autonomous country, but merged with its neighbour, who had been formerly Italian Somaliland, thus forming the newly combined nation known as Somalia. A unity which has not proven to be happy, fruitful nor a lasting compromise.
After a long period of political instability, escalation of violence and bombardment of cities and their inhabitants, Somalia’s central government, under a dictatorship, collapsed in 1991, and in the same year, the former British Somaliland regained its lost independence once again to become a republic, although it has yet to receive significant international recognition.
The Somaliland War of Independence began with high school students throwing stones and other objects in protest(20 February 1982 Dhagaxtuur) followed by an upraise and rebellion led by the Somali National Movement against the ruling military gang under the leadership of the late dictator, General Siyad Barre, since its founding on April 6, 1981, and until May 18, 1991.
The conflict which paved the way as the primary cause of the total conflict with the entire former Somali republic that started in 1978.
The conflict that was a reaction to the un-harmonious and punishment policies sanctioned by the dictatorship regime against the people of the Republic of Somaliland, including a strong and clear economic war in Somaliland.
The cruel policies which were implemented soon after the end of the catastrophic war between Somalia and Ethiopia in 1977-78
After that Somaliland national movement dismantled and defeated the mighty army of the Somali republic and their dictatorial government led by Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991, on May 18, 1991,
It was in the same year1991.When all the sultans of Somaliland and the leaders of all regions of the entire people of Somaliland, including the Somali national movement (SNM), brought together at the Burco conferences to agree or disagree about the fate of the Republic of Somaliland.
Collectively, the restoration of Somaliland sovereignty was recognized and declared at the same conference in Burco, the second largest city in the Republic of Somaliland.
Today, Somaliland enjoys more than 30 years of peace and stability, in which the entire region remains deeply troubled, with endemic conflicts.
Here is the agreements between Somaliland Sultans and SNM leaders in Burco
Somaliland Sultans and SNM leaders in Burco 18 May 1991.
In the year 1960, the world congratulated and praised Somaliland for its joyous independence on June 26, 1960.
The press releases from the globe include the following.
USA Press release 357
dated June 27 1960
Following is the text of Secretary Herter’s message to the Council of Ministers of Somaliland
on the occasion of the independence of that nation
on June 26, 1960.
June 26, 1960
Their Excellencies,
Council of Ministers of Somaliland, Hargeisa.
Your Excellencies: I extend my best wishes and congratulations on the achievement of your
independence. This is a noteworthy milestone in
your history, and it is with pleasure that I send my warmest regards on this happy occasion.
Christlvn a. Herter
Secretary of State,
United States of America
Jo/y 78, J 960
Coventry Evening Telegraph
British Rule Ends in Somaliland
Newspaper
Saturday 25 June 1960
EIGHTY years of British administration end in Somaliland at midnight tonight. Confusion was increasing today as officials prepared for the handover to the new Government of Independent Somaliland. In Government headquarters …
Somaliland Marks Independence After 73 Years of British Rule
The New York Times
Sunday, June 26, 1960
British Rule In Somaliland Is EndedThe Times
Monday, June 27, 1960
Independence Day Celebrations
Somaliland Is To Unite With Somalia
Belfast Telegraph Newspaper
Monday 27 June 1960
Somaliland’s Legislative Assembly met in Hargeisa, Somaliland, to-day—a public holiday—to approve the Act of Union with adjacent Somalia. Somaliland, formerly a British territory, plans to unite …
East Africa Marks Two New Nations
The New York Times
Monday, June 27, 1960
HARGEISA, Somaliland, June 26 (Reuters) – A blue and White starred flag was hoisted here today after all-night celebrations ending seventy-three years of British rule in this East African Territory at the south end Red Sea.
The Queen Elizabeth II Message forSomaliland Independence Day.
The Colony That Rejected Freedom
Three day ago, it gained its independence; on Friday, it gives it up again
The Daily Herald
Wednesday, June 29, 1960
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Araweelo News Network. Written by. Ahmed Yasin Mohamed Jama, Political and Economic Analyst
Ahmed Yasin Mohamed Jama
aymjama@hotmail.co.uk
