Somaliland Independence 26th June 1960: The World Press

British Rule In Somaliland Is Ended

The Times

Monday, June 27, 1960



Independence Day Celebrations

Hargeysa, Somaliland, June 26, 1960 (Reuter): British rule ended here at midnight last night as fir eworks and singing crowds heralded the Independence of Somaliland. Celebrations continued thro ughout the night. A big electric sign on a hillside carried the message: "Long Live independence."

Celebrations in the capital were repeated in settlements and outposts throughout the territory. The rejoicing will continue tomorrow, which has been proclaimed a public holiday.

Early this morning crowds thronged the polo ground for the final act of independence. Mohammed Haji Ibrahim Egal, the Prime Minister of independent Somaliland, took an oath on the Quran to the new state and hoisted the blue and white, starred flag.

Nearly 1,000 British-trained Somaliland Scouts were then handed over to the Prime Minister by Brigadier O. G. Brooks, the Colonel Commandant. After the ceremony, the crowds swarmed into the town, cheering and shouting freedom slogans.

At dusk last night the band of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, beat retreat and the Union Jack was lowered.

The last toast to the Queen was proposed by Mr. P. Carrel, who was acting Governor until midnig ht, at a reception. He said: "This is the last occasion on which we British can offer best wishes for the future of the people of Somaliland and Somalia (the Adjacent Italian trust territory). May they have a happy life and prosperity for the rest of their days."





Somaliland’s Vote for Union

Hargeysa, June 27, 1960 (Reuter): The Somaliland Legislative Assembly today unanimously approv ed a Bill endorsing plans to unite the country with Somalia. The Assembly met a day earlier than or iginally arranged, because Ministers are anxious to go to Somalia to settle a number of details in c onnection with the union.

Ibrahim Egal, the Prime Minister, paid tribute to the retiring British Speaker, Mr. W. F. Stubbs, to w hom he said: "We have all been novices in the art of parliamentary government, and your assistance and guidance have been very highly appreciated."

Agreements between Somaliland Ministers and the British Ambassador-designate, Mr. Thomas Br omley, cover interim arrangements for the Somaliland Scout Force, which was handed over to the independent Government yesterday. The agreements also provide safeguards for pension rights of expatriate civil servants and for a British aid mission to assist the public services for six month s.






Somaliland Marks Independence After 73 Years of British Rule

The New York Times

Sunday, June 26, 1960

Hargeysa, Somaliland, Sunday, June 26, 1960 (Reuters): Crowds danced in the streets here, bonfi res blazed from the hills and fireworks burst in the sky as last midnight spelled the end of Britain’s rule in Somaliland.

The country became independent after seventy-three years as a British protectorate. Political pa rties gave receptions to guests from all communities. The rejoicing was to continue tomorrow, a public holiday.

Newly independent Somaliland plans to unite with neighboring Somalia Friday when Italy gives up her United Nations trusteeship there.

The five-day hiatus between independence and merger was seen as a period of potential danger. There was fear of possible clashes with Ethiopian tribes along Somaliland’s ill-defined borders. [Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia said Friday he hoped for peaceful border adjustment with free Somalis soon.]

Thousands of Somalis turned out to say farewell to the British Governor, Sir Douglas Hall, and his wife. They flew to Aden.

A delegation arrived from Mogadishu, the Somali capital, led by the President of Somalia Legislative Assembly, Adan Abdullah. He said the people of Somalia were eagerly awaiting independence.




East Africa Marks Two New Nations

The New York Times

Monday, June 27, 1960

HARGEISA, Somaliland, June 26 (Reuters) – A blue and White starred flag was hoisted here today after all-night celebrations ending seventy-three years of British rule in this East African Territory at the south end Red Sea.

Mohammed Haji Ibrahim Egal took an Oath on the Quran as Premier of the new nation of Somalila nd.

Nearly 1,000 British-trained Somali troops were handed over to him by the retiring commandant; Brig. Gen. O. G. Brooks.

Mr. Egal welcomed a delegation from a neighboring Italian Somalia, scheduled to unite with Somaliland to form a republic of 2, 000, 000 population when Italy gives up her United Nations trusteeship Friday.





Union With Somalia

The Prime Minister responded with a tribute to the British association, saying: "We have not alwa ys seen eye to eye, but we share a Common ideal in the simple things of life. This is not the end of British-Somali relations. These relations are simply taking another shape for the better."

Somaliland plans to unite with Somalia on Friday when Italy gives up her United Nations trusteeshi p there.

A delegation from Mogadishu, including Adan Abdullah, who is likely to be the first President of the new republic of Somalia and Somaliland, has been greeted warmly by the crowds here.

Adan Abdullah was met by the Prime minister on his arrival at the airport. Police and Somaliland Sc outs lined up to give a general salute and he was greeted by a fanfare of trumpets.

Adan Abdullah told the crowds that the people in Somalia eagerly awaited their independence on Friday. He said that there was no major obstacle in the way of union of both countries. There we re difficulties in detail, "but there is no doubt that these will be resolved".
 

Compiled by Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi

Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, Columnist, Freelance Journalist a nd Weekly article writer about Middle East and African politics and human rights. He is member of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).