Wednesday July 1, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia marked its 66th Independence and Unification Day on Wednesday with high-profile celebrations in Mogadishu, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined government leaders and thousands of residents in a display of national pride.
The observances began Tuesday night with a flag-raising ceremony tied to July 1, the date in 1960 when Somalia’s southern regions won independence from Italy and then quickly united with the northern regions, which had secured independence from Britain just days earlier, to establish the Somali Republic.
President Hassan Sheikh congratulated the Somali people on the national occasion, describing July 1 as a historic day that reflects the long struggle of Somali patriots for freedom, unity and statehood.
At midnight, Somali National Army units raised the national flag in Mogadishu, recreating the moment the Somali flag first went up in the capital 66 years ago.
The president said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the need to safeguard national unity, solidarity and the state-building effort. He added that the current generation carries the duty of advancing the vision of the nation’s founders.
Following the formal ceremony, Hassan Sheikh was seen joining residents who had taken to the streets of Mogadishu to celebrate.
Thousands filled the capital, carrying flags and taking part in public festivities marked by patriotism and a strong sense of national identity.
July 1 commemorates the independence of the former Italian North Western State of Somalia and its immediate union with the former British North Western State of Somalia to establish the independent Somali Republic in 1960.
On Wednesday morning, President Hassan Sheikh laid a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier to honor Somali heroes who gave their lives for independence and national unity.
The ceremony also featured Somali Armed Forces units, who presented armored vehicles, modern military equipment and fighter jets.
Officials said the show of force underscored the federal government’s progress in rebuilding and equipping Somalia’s national security forces.
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud again congratulated the Somali people on the anniversary and called on them to protect unity, defend independence and continue working toward a secure and developed Somalia grounded in self-sufficiency and full sovereignty.
