Somalia marks 66th Independence Day amid tight security and political divisions

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia marked its 66th Independence Day on Wednesday with military parades, heightened security and celebrations across the country, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined hundreds of residents in Mogadishu while opposition leaders used the occasion to raise concerns about the country’s political direction.

The anniversary commemorates July 1, 1960, when southern Somalia gained independence from Italy and united with the northern territory, now known as Somaliland, which had gained independence from Britain days earlier, creating the Somali Republic.

In the capital, President Mohamud joined crowds celebrating the anniversary overnight at Taleh Junction along Makka Al Mukarama Road. The gathering formed part of nationwide commemorations marking one of the most significant dates in Somalia’s history.

The celebrations took place under extensive security measures across Mogadishu. In the days leading up to the anniversary, Somali security forces conducted house-to-house searches for weapons in several districts of the city. Residents reported troops knocking on doors late at night, while some properties had their gates forced open when occupants did not respond.

Thousands of security personnel were deployed along major roads and inside residential neighborhoods, controlling movement and traffic as authorities sought to prevent attacks during the celebrations.

The president’s participation in the public gathering was presented by his administration as a sign of improving security conditions in the capital. The event was held on Makka Al Mukarama Road within the city’s heavily secured Green Zone, while security was tightened across Mogadishu throughout the commemorations.

Earlier, President Mohamud attended a military parade staged by Somalia’s armed forces to mark the anniversary. Dozens of military vehicles moved along a roadway in a display of the country’s military capabilities as troops participated in the national celebrations.

Meanwhile, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who now leads the opposition, held a separate Independence Day event attended by dozens of politicians and residents.

Addressing the gathering, Sharif said Somalia was marking Independence Day at a time when, in his view, citizens do not enjoy genuine freedom. He argued that the current administration is restricting freedoms and pursuing policies that resemble forms of repression associated with the colonial era.

The parallel ceremonies highlighted differing political narratives surrounding the anniversary, with government officials emphasizing security gains and national unity, while opposition figures focused on concerns over governance and civil liberties.

Independence Day events were also held across Somalia’s federal member states, where residents, officials and security forces joined commemorations honoring the country’s independence and unification.

As Somalis marked the historic anniversary, the day served both as a celebration of national sovereignty and as a reminder of the debates shaping the country’s future.