Somaliland is older than Somalia if true from record books that indicate that Somaliland was granted independence by British government on 26 June, 1960
Somalilandsun – 25th June 1960 marked the end of 73 years of British regime in Somaliland. Fireworks and singing crowds marked the Independence of Somaliland and celebrations continued throughout the night.
During celebrations a big electric sign on a hillside carried the message: “Long Live independence.”
Mohammed Haji Ibrahim Egal took an Oath on the Quran as Prime Minister of the new nation of Somaliland. Nearly 1 000 British-trained Somali troops were handed over to him by the retiring commandant, Brig. Gen. O. G. Brooks.
In May 1960, British Colonial Secretary, Ian Maclead, formally announced that Britain was about to grant independence to Somaliland so that it can unite with Italian Somaliland (Somalia). Italian Somaliland was scheduled to gain its independence on 1 July 1960. The Secretary made his statement while Somaliland leaders were in London for negotiations of a constitution.
The idea of a possible merger of the British and Italian Somaliland surfaced as early as 1959. In February 1959, British Colonial Secretary, Alan Lennox-Boyd, proposed while he was in Hargeysa that British Somalis have the option to decide between early self-Government and an early association with Italian Somaliland.
This article was first published on 25th June 1960 by SAHISTORY
