Yesterday marked the 67th anniversary of the formation of the Somali Youth League, a youth organization that underscored Somali independence. The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, offered congratulations to the founders, their relatives and all Somalis.
“On this day 67 years ago, a group of Somali patriots got together without concerns for regional or tribal affiliations and forged together their determination for the liberty and dignity of their country. They decided to fight colonialism for independence and sovereignty. Their message has resonated through South Somalia, Africa and beyond” the UN envoy said in an emailed statement On Saturday.
“On this historical day, on behalf of the United Nations Secretary-General, I would like to salute the memory of these patriots. I would like also to call on the Somali elites in and outside the country to show unity in their vision and actions to reject blatant interference undermining their independence and dignity.” Ould Abdallah said.
It was in 1943 when 13 young Somali men established the Somali youth League which succeeded in achieving Somalia’s independence from European colony in 1960, almost 17 years after its foundation.
The thirteen boys are still recognized as the fathers of Somali independence, while the 15th of May is commemorated as Somali youth day. For the past several days, football matches have been taking place in Mogadishu, in memory of the precious day.
