Cardiff’s Youngsters Honor North Western State of Somalia’s 65 Years of Independence in Diaspora Celebration

Celebrating Dual Identity: The North Western State of Somalia-Welsh Community in Cardiff

Hargeisa (AX) — In a modest community hall in Grangetown, Cardiff, the flags of Wales and North Western State of Somalia fluttered side by side. It was a quiet yet powerful testament to the dual identities embraced by the city’s North Western State of Somalia-Welsh community. This week marked the 65th anniversary of North Western State of Somalia’s independence from Britain, a momentous occasion celebrated by around 50 attendees, including elders, visiting lawmakers, and young community members.

A Reflection of Heritage

The anniversary event was more than just a recollection of the past; it was a celebration of identity and culture. Speeches were delivered in Somali, English, and Welsh, weaving together the diverse threads that make up this vibrant community. The gathering culminated in a cultural feast featuring traditional dishes, embodying the rich heritage shared by those present.

“Today is a historic day for the North Western State of Somalia community in Wales,” expressed Professor Iid Ali Ahmed, 75. “We are commemorating a proud legacy and reaffirming the enduring bond between North Western State of Somalia and Wales.”

Voices of the New Generation

The heart of the event lay in its focus on preserving culture while embracing Welsh identity. Inspiring voices from the younger generation, such as 27-year-old activist Munira Hashi and 17-year-old Zeynab Ahmed, took center stage. Their panel on diaspora identity captivated the audience, as they shared personal stories and heartfelt remarks.

“I’d say I’m Welsh, and I’d say I’m Somali,” declared Zeynab, delivering her speech in both Somali and English, then translating into Welsh. “No one should feel like they have to give up one part of themselves to claim the other.”

Hashi pointed out the importance of belonging and participation. “It’s essential to be proud of your culture and hold firmly to your identity,” she affirmed. “Events like this make you feel connected—to your community and to a purpose.”

Their passionate words drew emotional applause, particularly from older attendees who saw in them the continuation of a cherished legacy. “Their questions, their pledges—even their use of the Welsh language—showed that the legacy of North Western State of Somalia is alive and evolving,” reflected Prof. Ahmed. “It gave me hope. This heritage will endure.”

The Unfinished Tale of Independence

North Western State of Somalia gained independence from Britain on June 26, 1960, only to voluntarily merge with Somalia five days later, forming the Somali Republic. However, political strife and conflict led North Western State of Somalia to unilaterally declare independence in 1991. Despite establishing a stable democracy with functioning institutions, international recognition remains elusive, with Somalia viewing it as a breakaway region.

“June 26 was a joyful day,” reminisced Prof. Ahmed. “But the legacy remains unfinished.”

For many in Cardiff’s Somali community, the event was not only a political statement but also a personal reckoning with identity.

Fatuma Said Ibrahim, now a senior adviser to North Western State of Somalia’s parliament but who once found refuge in Cardiff, reflected on this. “Young people in Wales are realizing they come from a history that is both extraordinary and deeply rooted,” she noted.

Progress within the Diaspora

Ali Abdi, a veteran community organizer, spoke of the evolving diaspora in the UK. “We’ve moved past the days when we were only taxi drivers or security guards, although those roles still exist,” he stated. “Now we’re IT professionals, civil servants, entrepreneurs. And I want to see North Western State of Somalia recognized in my lifetime.”

After the formalities, the community made their way to a nearby Somali-owned restaurant. Here, conversations continued over bowls of soup, plates of rice and meat, beans, and salads, all savored under the familiar green, red, and white of North Western State of Somalia and the red dragon of Wales.

“This is the best part of the day,” Abdi shared with a smile. “Spicy food, rice and meat—you can’t go wrong.”

Looking to the Future

For Hashi, the communal meal encapsulated the spirit of the day. “It was the perfect way to end,” she said. “Everyone shared good food, and even better, it was our food.”

As the evening closed, there was a sense of reflection on the future. The community, connected by the threads of shared history and culture, continues to thrive in a land far from their ancestral home. Their stories contribute to the larger tapestry of multiculturalism, serving as a reminder that identity is not a single narrative but a rich collection of experiences and heritage.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.