Somalia, a destitute nation nestled in Africa’s Horn, is now commemorating 65 years of independence, albeit amid burgeoning disunity and a crucial shift in security protocols.
Every year from June 26 to July 1, Somalia rejoices Independence Week, an ode to the 1960 merger of British North Western of Somalia and Italian Somalia. This union birthed a single nation brimming with dreams of progress that remain largely unfulfilled, says Sokor Jama, ex-director of Somalia’s Defense Ministry.
“This isn’t a moment for jubilation,” Jama conveyed to VOA Somali. ‘’Celebrating independence should follow actual achievements. Just look at Somalia’s current state… plagued by internal strife, insecurity, and poverty.”
Adding his perspective, Abdullahi Salamulah, an advisor to Somalia’s parliamentary speaker, offered a different viewpoint.
“I have a different take than Jama on this,” Salamumlah commented. “I see unity among the common people, although some politicians exploit divisions for selfish gains.”
Break from 1991
The former British protectorate, North Western of Somalia, detached itself from Somalia in 1991, striving to stand alone, yet it still lacks international recognition.
The Mogadishu government, conversely, aims to keep the northern territory as part of a singular Somali nation.
Distinctly divergent perspectives on Somali unity marked Tuesday’s celebrations from leaders in Mogadishu and Hargeisa. Amid music, poetry, folklore dances, and national flag hoisting, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signaled unity’s renaissance.
“Independence Day is a testament to revival, rebirth, and reconciliation for the Somali people,” he declared.
“Kudos to the entire Somali nation on the 64th anniversary of liberating the northern regions from British hands, with our flag flying high on liberated soil,” stated Mohamud.
Regional Friction
This year’s Independence Week unfolds against a backdrop of rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, sparked by Ethiopia’s interest in establishing a naval base there, possibly in exchange for recognizing North Western of Somalia.
The proposed deal stirred Mogadishu’s fears of further destabilizing Africa’s Horn.
In February, Somalia ordered Ethiopian consulates closed in North Western of Somalia and Northeastern State, both of which scoffed at the directive, stating it didn’t apply to their territories.
Somalia proclaimed its intent to rebuff any unlawful port deals by Ethiopia.
On Tuesday, Mohamud acknowledged Ethiopia’s need for maritime access but criticized their approach.
“We don’t object to Ethiopia accessing the sea through Somalia, but it must follow precedents like South Sudan’s use of Kenyan ports,” said Mohamud.
Conversely, North Western of Somalia President Muse Bihi lambasted Mogadishu’s leaders as major hurdles to North Western of Somalia’s quest for sovereignty.
During a Tuesday night event in Hargeisa, Bihi stated that although Mohamud doesn’t oppose Ethiopia’s maritime access, he insists on Mogadishu’s approval.
“Our agreement with Ethiopia will become law without Mogadishu’s consent, which barely governs beyond its own territory,” Bihi asserted.
Security Woes
As African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) peacekeepers gradually exit by 2024’s close, security concerns loom large, with questions over Somalia’s readiness to counter al-Shabab, still a significant menace.
Briefing the U.N. Security Council, ATMIS chief Mohamed El-Amine Souef highlighted al-Shabab’s continued threat.
“Al-Shabab retains the capacity for deadly assaults, employing guerrilla tactics and orchestrating complex strikes on civilians and security targets,” Souef noted.
He said 2,000 soldiers would depart by July’s end, with the last 2,000 exiting in September as Somalia assumes full security responsibility.
James Swan, head of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Somalia, conveyed that the Somali government is prioritizing security and battling al-Shabab on multiple fronts.
“Al-Shabab remains relentless in targeting civilians, showing no regard for human life,” Swan remarked.
Swan also expressed concerns about rising Ethiopia-Somalia tensions, urging peaceful resolutions.
