Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud leads National Flag Day celebrations in Mogadishu, urging citizens to defend national unity, sovereignty and the legacy of independence fighters.
The ceremony, held at the presidential palace in Mogadishu, brought together senior government officials, military commanders and representatives of Somalia's state institutions to commemorate the blue flag with its distinctive white star, a symbol of national identity and independence.
Those attending included the speaker of parliament's lower house, the first deputy speaker of the upper house, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the chief justice of the Supreme Court and commanders of the Somali armed forces.
Military units representing the army, air force and navy took part in the event, staging a display at Villa Somalia intended to demonstrate their commitment to defending the country's flag, territorial sovereignty and national integrity.
In a speech, Mohamud highlighted the historical significance of October 12, the date on which Somalia's national flag was first raised in 1954, during the struggle for independence.
He described the flag as a symbol of the unity of the Somali people, their aspirations for freedom and the sacrifices made by generations of nationalists who fought to secure the country's independence.
The president paid tribute to those who had lost their lives defending Somalia, its people, religion and national sovereignty, praying that God would grant them eternal peace.
"On this occasion, I extend special remembrance and honour to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the freedom, independence and unity of our country," Mohamud said.
Somali Report · Newsletter
Your morning briefing on Somalia's biggest stories — politics, security, business, and the people shaping the region's future.
He also called on Somalis to safeguard the statehood legacy left by the independence movement and work together to strengthen national cohesion and defend the country's sovereignty.
The annual commemoration comes as Somalia continues to face significant security and political challenges, including its fight against Al-Shabaab militants, who have waged an insurgency against the federal government for more than a decade.
The government has sought to strengthen national institutions and security forces while pursuing efforts to stabilise the country and extend state authority beyond major urban centres.
The flag, featuring a white five-pointed star against a light blue background, was first raised on October 12, 1954, during the period when Somalis were preparing for independence from colonial rule.
The star represents the historical vision of uniting Somali-inhabited territories, while the blue background has commonly been associated with the United Nations, which played a role in Somalia's transition towards independence.
Somalia gained independence on July 1, 1960, when the former British Somaliland protectorate and the Italian-administered Trust Territory of Somaliland united to form the Somali Republic.
Flag Day remains an important occasion for commemorating the country's independence struggle and reaffirming national identity.
Monday's ceremony concluded with renewed calls for Somalis to honour the sacrifices of previous generations by protecting the country's unity, independence and future.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
Somalia's president meets British ambassador to discuss security and political situation
