This article summarizes the Somali anti-colonial struggle and how July 1st came to be known as Independence Day. The Somali people are among those who have long struggled to free themselves from foreign colonialism and to achieve freedom, unity, and modern nation-building.
July 1st or Kowda Luulyo is a national holiday celebrating the independence of the southern regions and the unification of the northern and southern territories. It marks the restoration of sovereignty and the resumption of national development, which had been halted by the colonial powers that took control of the country.
In 1884, European powers launched a new strategy to partition African countries, particularly in the Horn of Africa. During this time, the Somali people became aware of foreign entities entering their lands to pursue their own imperial interests.
As early as 1899, a 20-year armed resistance broke out in Somalia, particularly in the British-controlled northern regions. This movement was led by the Dervish forces under the command of the Sayyid Mohamed Abdilleh Hassan, alongside various northern community leaders.
Simultaneously in the southern regions, fierce battles were fought against the Italians in areas such as Lafole, Marka, and Mogadishu. These conflicts marked the beginning of the broader movement to expel the colonizers.
Between 1941 and 1949, following Italy’s defeat in World War II, formal liberation movements began to emerge in Somalia against the British, who temporarily administered both the northern and southern parts of the country.
These political movements were catalyzed in 1943 by the formation of the Somali Youth Club, which adopted the name Somali Youth League (SYL) in 1947. The SYL successfully spread the idea of independence across all parts of the country, as well as to other Somali-inhabited areas in present-day Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.
Meanwhile, in the northern regions, intellectuals within the Somali National League (SNL) worked tirelessly from the late 1940s onward to overcome clan divisions and advocate for national unity. They submitted a declaration to the British administration calling for the unification of the five Somali territories into a single nation.
In 1949, the SYL successfully submitted a memorandum to the United Nations regarding the colonial status of Somalia. Consequently, on April 1, 1950, the UN approved the transfer of the southern regions back to Italian administration, mandating a 10-year trusteeship to prepare the territory for independence.
When Britain relinquished control of the broader Somali-populated territories, it retained authority over the northern regions. However, in 1955, the British ceded the Hawd region of western Somalia to Ethiopia. Later, in 1960, the Northern Frontier District (NFD) was handed over to Kenya, and the borders with French Somaliland (now Djibouti) were formally established, fracturing the Somali lands.
With the support of religious leaders, traditional chiefs, women, workers, and the educated elite, the SNL and SYL succeeded in the 1950s. Through sustained dialogue and collaboration, they ultimately overthrew colonial rule and achieved national unity and solidarity.
The crucial agreements that led to the unification of the northern and southern regions were forged between 1956 and 1960. During this period, the south operated under an Italian-administered local government, while the north transitioned under a British-supervised local administration.
It is an undeniable fact that countless heroes across generations—including Ahmad Gurey, Mohamed Abdilleh Hassan, Mohamed Osman Dhagahtur, Hawa Taako, and many others—sacrificed their lives and livelihoods. They fought to free the nation from foreign colonizers who sought to exploit the country’s natural resources.
On June 26, 1960, the northern regions became the first to hoist the blue flag with a white star. However, it was on July 1 that the southern regions gained their independence, marking not only their liberation but also the birth of a united Somali nation and its first state administration.
Therefore, July 1st stands as a monumental event in the golden pages of Somali history and in the hearts of its people. It is celebrated annually to commemorate both the independence of the southern regions and the unification of the north and south, culminating a long, arduous struggle against colonialism.
As a symbol of national rebirth, the commemoration of July 1st—after 25 years of neglect—has resumed its traditional grandeur. This revival follows the restoration of historic monuments dedicated to the memory of independence activists.
Undoubtedly, July 1st represents the fruits of a collective political struggle waged by all segments of Somali society. This includes the youth, who have consistently proven to be the driving force in safeguarding the nation’s future.
The primary goal of commemorating this historic national holiday is to highlight the legacy of the heroes who played a major role in the quest for freedom. This ensures that future generations can learn from and honor the sacrifices of their predecessors.
Given the current challenges the country faces and its slow recovery following the Civil War, it is crucial for the youth and intellectuals to mobilize. They must work together to unify the country and restore the Somali people’s lost confidence in their national institutions.