By Gulaid Dalha
Somalilanders at home and in the Diaspora held colourful functions in commemoration of their country’s 59th anniversary of Independence Nationwide festivities was launched by President Muse Bihi Abdi in Hargeisa where citizens were entertained local bands and performers.
On the 26th June 1960 Great Britain granted independence to its former protectorate British Somaliland after centuries of rule but the sovereignty lasted for five days only, that is until 1st July 1960, when the new Republic of Somaliland joined in a voluntary union with former Italian Somalia to form the now defunct Republic of Somalia.
During festivities at the Somaliland presidency in Hargeisa officiated by President Muse Bihi Abdi – elderly citizens at hand during the granting of independence reminisced to participants events leading and during the 1960 day of independence and the subsequent but now regretted union with Italian Somalia.
The glitzy ceremony attracted distinguished guest from the International Community and neighboring countries to mark the occasion with the Republic of Somaliland.
Popular Somali bands performed marvellous songs such as national anthem, patriotic songs which jogged the memory of people back early days of independence struggle and current shape of the country
In his remarks the incumbent President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Muse Bihi Abdi briefed the audience the ample historical path to Independence.
