BELEDWEYNE – A high-level delegation of Somali ministers, led by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, travelled to Beledweyne on Saturday to attend celebrations marking the 49th anniversary of Djibouti’s independence from French colonial rule.
The delegation, which departed Mogadishu for the capital of Hiiraan region, included Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Abdifatah Qasim Mohamud, State Minister for Internal Security Mohamed Ali Hagaa, Djibouti’s Ambassador to Somalia Osman Dubad, members of parliament, officials from the Hirshabelle State administration, and representatives of the Waaberi cultural troupe.
The national celebration was held at the base of Djiboutian troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Beledweyne. Djibouti troops serving under AUSSOM marked the 49th anniversary of the Djibouti National Defence Forces, with the event highlighting the strong bonds between the two neighbouring countries.
Historic Ties Between Somalia and Djibouti
The ceremony also honoured Somalia’s historic role in Djibouti’s struggle for independence from French colonial rule and the fraternal ties and longstanding cooperation between the two nations. Somalia and Djibouti have deepened their diplomatic ties, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation on regional security, trade, education, and diplomatic coordination.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has previously honoured Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, recognising his enduring solidarity and contributions to Somalia’s stability and progress. President Guelleh has reaffirmed Djibouti’s steadfast commitment to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
President Mohamud in Djibouti
Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is currently on an official visit to Djibouti, has been invited to attend the main national independence day celebrations in the capital, marking the 49th anniversary of Djibouti’s independence from French colonial rule on June 27, 1977.
President Mohamud has previously extended warm congratulations to the government and people of Djibouti on their independence day, reaffirming Somalia’s enduring friendship and commitment to regional peace.
Djibouti’s Role in Somali Security
Djibouti remains a key contributor to AUSSOM, serving alongside personnel from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Burundi. Djibouti’s Battalion 13 deployed to Somalia under AUSSOM, with troops arriving in Beledweyne and Bulo Burde to support peace and stability in the Hiiraan region.
Somalia and Djibouti signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen political dialogue, allowing the two governments to maintain closer communication on pressing political, economic, and security matters.
Independence Week Continues
The celebration comes during Somalia’s Independence Week, which began with the commemoration of June 26 – the day the northern regions gained independence – and will culminate with the celebration of July 1, marking the unification of the northern and southern regions to form the Somali Republic.
The event in Beledweyne underscored the deep historical and cultural connections between Somalia and Djibouti, as well as the continued importance of regional cooperation in advancing peace and stability across the Horn of Africa.
Recommended Reading On ftlsomalia.com:
