Hargeisa, (Hornpost) – On this day, June 26, 1960, the former British Protectorate of Somaliland gained its independence from the United Kingdom, becoming the first Somali territory to achieve full sovereignty. The flag of Somalia was raised for the first time in Hargeisa, amid national pride and celebration across the northern regions.
However, 65 years later, the ownership of this historical date remains a subject of dispute. Somaliland claims June 26 as its national day — a foundational moment in its independent history. Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Somalia continues to commemorate the same date as a national event under the umbrella of “Somali Independence Week.”
Historical Fact vs. Political Narrative:
Although Somaliland gained its independence on June 26, 1960, it voluntarily united five days later with the UN-administered Trust Territory of Somalia (Italian Somalia) to form the Somali Republic on July 1, 1960. That union, however, was not formalized through a binding treaty, and quickly became a source of discontent, especially in the north.
Today, Somaliland considers June 26 a national occasion — a date that belongs solely to its people. Every year, the day is marked with military parades, cultural events, and strong nationalistic messages in Hargeisa and other cities.
On the other hand, Somalia’s federal institutions present June 26 as part of a broader national heritage — an early step toward the unification of Somali territories. This political framing often overlooks the fact that no part of southern Somalia gained independence on June 26; it was exclusively Somaliland’s achievement.
Independence or Appropriated History:
It’s increasingly clear that the Somali Federal Government politically commemorates this date while glossing over the reality that it was not a collective national independence. This raises some essential questions:
- Is it appropriate for Somalia to claim a date that belongs to another entity’s historical narrative?
- Is history being rewritten to serve current political interests?
- When will Somalia fully acknowledge that June 26 was — and remains — a milestone for Somaliland alone?
Conclusion: Independence Is History — But Also Deserves Recognition
For the people of Somaliland, June 26 remains a proud moment — the day their flag was raised and their sovereignty recognized by the world. It is important for Somalia’s political leadership and wider public to recognize this historical reality, rather than folding it into a generalized narrative that erases specific identities.
Acknowledging this truth is not just about history; it’s about respecting the voices and lived experiences of millions of people. If peace, mutual respect, and a lasting political solution are to be achieved, it begins with honesty about where we came from.
Did Italy ever grant independence to Somalia (the South) on its own?
No, there was no separate independence granted by Italy to the southern part of Somalia (Italian Somaliland) before the union on July 1, 1960.
What Actually Happened?
- Italian Somaliland (the South)
Did not receive independent statehood prior to the union
From 1950 to 1960, it was under a UN Trust Territory, administered by Italy.
Italy governed the region on behalf of the United Nations, with the plan to prepare it for full independence within 10 years.
That 10-year plan ended with union — not an independent statehood — on July 1, 1960.
- British Somaliland (the North)
Achieved full independence on June 26, 1960, from the British Empire
Over 30 countries recognized it as a sovereign state.
It existed as an independent country for 5 days, before voluntarily joining the South in a union.
- The Union
No binding legal treaty (treaty of union) was ever fully ratified between the two regions.
The union on July 1, 1960, was a political arrangement that happened quickly and without formal international agreements.
In essence, an already independent Somaliland joined with the non-independent South to form the Somali Republic.
What This Means:
The South (Italian Somaliland) did not gain independence as a separate state.
There was no separate flag-raising or international recognition of a sovereign southern Somali state before the union.
Therefore, the only region to receive actual decolonization and statehood before the union was Somaliland (the North).
In Summary:
The South joined the union through the end of a UN trusteeship, not by receiving independence from Italy directly.
Independence celebrations on July 1 actually mark the union, not separate southern sovereignty.
Somaliland remains the only Somali region to have been a fully recognized independent state prior to unification, lasted union with Somalia and after 34 years of self-governing its searching Re recognition from international leaders and United Nations through its geopolitical importance.
By: Abdikarim Saed Salah | June 26, 2025
Senior journalist based in Hargeisa, Somaliland
Social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/AbdikarimSSalah
https://www.tiktok.com/@abdikarim.saed.salah
Email: [email protected]