Somalia celebrates 65th Independence Day

On 3 July, the Embassy of Somalia commemorated its 65th anniversary of independence as well as the inauguration of the new chancery in Pretoria.

- Marion Smith

Back in 1960, on 26 June, the Northern Region gained independence from British rule, and on 1 July of the same year, the Southern Region achieved independence from the Italian colonial administration, culminating in the birth of modern Somalia.

Freedom is a cornerstone of Somalis’ identity, enabling them to express themselves, pursue prosperity and uphold justice.

Somalia’s ambassador to South Africa, HE Mohamed Sheikh Issak, remarked on the longstanding relationship between Somalia and South Africa that dates back to the apartheid era. Formal diplomatic ties were established in 2012 and the embassy in Pretoria was inaugurated in 2013.

A bilateral agreement was signed in September 2023 on general cooperation, paving the way for collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture and the ocean economy.