Mogadishu (Somalia Today) — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Britain’s King Charles III congratulated Somalia on its 66th National Day, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged citizens to defend unity and protect the country’s fragile gains.
Somalia marks July 1 as the anniversary of the 1960 union between the former British Somaliland protectorate and the Italian-administered Trust Territory of Somalia, which together formed the Somali Republic.
The anniversary comes as Somalia continues a long-running campaign against Al-Shabaab, pushes political reforms and seeks to strengthen relations with key international partners.
US support
“On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia on your 66th National Day,” Rubio said in a statement.
“The United States stands with the Somali people in their fight against terrorism, corruption, and in their efforts to build a more prosperous future,” he added.
“On this anniversary, I look forward to the year ahead and to working together to advance peace.”
Washington remains one of Somalia’s most important security and diplomatic partners, supporting the federal government as it battles the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgency.
The group has waged a deadly campaign for nearly two decades, carrying out attacks on government, civilian and military targets despite pressure from Somali forces and international partners.
Somalia has also been working to rebuild state institutions after decades of conflict, while managing tensions between the federal government, regional administrations and opposition figures.
Royal message
King Charles, in a message addressed to Hassan Sheikh, said he and Queen Camilla sent their “heartfelt congratulations and warmest good wishes” to the Somali president and people.
“This day serves as a valued opportunity to reflect upon the enduring friendship between our nations,” the King said.
“I am deeply encouraged by the strength of our bilateral ties and remain committed to fostering even closer cooperation in the years to come,” he added.
The British monarch also pointed to shared global challenges, “particularly those concerning the climate and the preservation of our natural world”.
He said he hoped Somalia and Britain would continue to work together “in pursuit of meaningful and lasting solutions”.
Somalia has faced repeated climate shocks in recent years, including droughts and floods that have displaced communities, damaged livelihoods and deepened humanitarian needs.
Britain, the former colonial power in what is now northern Somalia, has maintained close diplomatic, humanitarian and development ties with Mogadishu.
Call for unity
At home, Villa Somalia said Hassan Sheikh joined citizens gathered for national celebrations ahead of National Independence and Unity Day.
Addressing the crowd, the president praised the “unity, solidarity, and peaceful spirit” shown by young Somalis.
He said such unity and social cohesion were essential to safeguard Somalia’s stability and advance national development.
Hassan Sheikh called on Somalis to “unite our minds, our strength, and our collective resolve to safeguard our hard-earned gains and together achieve the lasting prosperity we aspire to.”
Somali leaders have often used Independence Day to appeal for unity in a country still grappling with political divisions, insecurity and the legacy of state collapse.
The federal government says it has made progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab while also advancing constitutional, electoral and security reforms.
But the country still faces major challenges, including militant attacks, clan tensions, poverty, unemployment and the need to complete the rebuilding of national security forces.
The July 1 celebrations follow the June 26 anniversary of the independence of the former British Somaliland protectorate, which joined with the south five days later.
For many Somalis, the two dates remain symbols of independence, statehood and the ambition for national unity.
