Cowke Posted July 9, 2010 Introduction Somali Prime Minister Abdurashid Ali Shermarke ®, and Somali President Aden Abdullah Osman Daar (L), shake hands 26 June 1960 in Mogadishu Somalia. On 1st July, 1960 the Republic of Somalia was proclaimed. Abdirashid Ali Shermarke was the Prime Minister (from 12 Jul 1960 to 14 Jun 1964), when Aden Abdullah Osman Daar was President (from 1 Jul 1960 to 10 Jun 1967). Ali Shermarke was elected President 10 Jun 1967 and was assassinated 15 Oct 1969 by one of his bodyguard. The idea of possible merger of the British and Italian Somalilands surfaced as early as 1959. In February of that year, British Colonial Secretary, Alan Lennox-Boyd, proposed while he was in Hargeysa that British Somalilanders have the option to choose between early self-Government and an early association with Italian Somaliland, which at that time was scheduled to gain independence in December of 1960. By May of 1960, British Colonial Secretary, Ian Maclead officially stated that Britain was about to grant independence to Somaliland protectorate so that it can unite with Italian Somaliland (Somalia), which was scheduled to become a sovereign state on July 1, 1960. The Secretary made his announcement while Somaliland leaders were in London for talks on a constitution. He underlined that the merge between the two Somalilands was in accord with the wishes of the British Somaliland leaders who want to join Italian Somaliland. On April, 1960, the Legislative Council (in British Somaliland) passed a resolution, asking not only for independence but also to unite with Somalia. And after having one-week conference in Mogadishu, the two sides jointly announced that the two Somalilands will unite as a Somali Republic, and the two Legislative Councils will be merging into one National Assembly. Again, on June 27, 1960, the Somaliland Legislative Council unanimously passed a bill that unites Somaliland with Somalia. The Joyous Friday – Independence and Union Day On July 1, 1960, the 5-pointed white star flag was hoisted; and the next day, the union of the two Somalilands (British and Italian) was formally ratified by the National Assembly. Margery Perham of The Times has described the birth of the new Republic as Siamese twins whose god-parents were: the United Nations, Britain, and Italy. [see The Times, July 4, 1960]. Still, Many Somalis seem to have plenty of reasons to be celebrating, this coming July 1st, for the Unification of the two Somalilands. For that reason, the Roobdoon Forum presents to its readership excerpts of news coverage that relate to the independence and unification week of 1960. Somali Premier Asks Army Rule The New York Times September 08, 1963 Soviet and Chinese Support of “Unification” Pledged Mogadishu, Somalia, Sept. 6 – The Premier of Somalia, in a speech published today, said only a strong military government in the republic could achieve unification with Somalis in neighboring countries. The Premier, Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, referred to Somalis living in French Somaliland, Ethiopia and Kenya. The Republic of Somalia is made up of the former Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland, on the northeast corner of the continent of Africa. Mr. Shermarke spoke at the airport here on his return this week after the breakdown of talks in Rome to discuss the demand of the Somalis in Kenya`s Northern Frontier District to be allowed to secede from Kenya and join Somalia. He said he would not hesitate to scrap civil government and hand over full powers to the military in the interest of the unity. “Our democratic system, though theoretically admirable, is unadapted to the present situation,” he declared. He called for a united front of all Somalis within and outside the republic, “even at the cost of general mobilization.” In what was taken as an allusion to the United States, Mr. Shermarke expressed regret that there had been no response to Somalia`s appeal to nations friendly to Britain and France to use their good offices “to obtain justice for Somalis still under foreign rule.” Nevertheless, he added, Somalia is not isolated. “Many nations are ready to help unconditionally,” he declared to the airport crowd. Observers had no doubt that he was referring to promises of aid given him during official visits to the Soviet Union, the United Arab Republic, India, Pakistan and Communist China before the Rome talks. Peking offered unspecified aid in addition to a long-term loan of 80,000,000 Swiss francs, as well as a gift of 3,000,000, equivalent to the former British contribution to the Somali budget. President Gamal Abdel Nasser of the United Arab Republic assured Somalia of support “in any eventuality.” From the Soviet Union came a pledge of assistance in “various areas.” India and Pakistan promised the help of experts. The Premier charged that in the past 75 years Britain had partered the Somali peoples and territories seven times in favor of other countries. By evading a solution of the Northern Frontier District issue in Kenya, he said, “Britain has perpetrated one more act of injustice and hostility against the Somali republic.” Premier Says Somalia Sought Soviet Weapons for Self-Defense By Jay Walz The New York Times December 01, 1963 Mogadishu, Somalia, Nov.30 – Military aid promised by the Soviet Union is being accepted only because Somalia must defend herself from Ethiopian attacks and pillaging of Somali peoples, the Premier of Somalia declared. Premier Abdirashid Ali Shermarke charged that Ethiopia`s “unbroken chain of provocation violated humanitarian principles,” infringed on Somalia`s national integrity and “forced an unbearable burden on the finances” of the Mogadishu Government. Somalia`s treasury, he said could not much longer cope with the problem of feeding and sheltering “thousands of Somali refugees” pouring across the frontier. He said Somalia would have to lay the refugee problem on the doorstep of the United Nations. Somalia recently reached a military assistance accord with the Soviet Union after rejecting limited aid from the Western powers, including the United States, West Germany and Italy. Army of 20,000 Sought Reports, neither confirmed nor denied by Somali officials, say the Soviet Union offered $28 million worth of aid, or enough equipment to establish an army of 20,000 men. The Premier, in an interview conducted in English at his office, declined all comment on details of the military aid on security grounds. He said he could not say whether the 20,000-men figure was “too high or too low.” “I will say only that we need an army for our defense,” he said. “Every nation needs internal security.” The Western powers have tried, ever since Somalia won her independence in July 1960, to persuade the new nation to concentrate on economic development projects and to hold military spending to the minimum required for internal police protection. The Soviet offer of aid on a much larger scale than the Western powers have been willing to provide has been widely interpreted abroad as an effort on the Soviet Union`s part to make Somalia a stepping stone into Africa. A Soviet military presence in Somalia, some Western diplomats have argued, might well lead to Somalia`s becoming the Cuba of Africa. Mr. Shermarke bristled at the suggestion that Somalia was about to succumb to Soviet “infiltration or domination.” “I can assure you the Soviet Union took no initiative in this matter,” he declared. “When we needed from the West, we failed to get the aid we felt we turned to the Soviet Union.” It is known that the size of projected Army, and amounts of aid, have been discussed by Somali representatives with Premier Khrushchev. Mr. Shermarke indicated that precise decisions might have to await further talks. “The Soviet Union agreed that our argument for arms was correct, and agreed to help us,” said the Premier. They agreed to supply us what we needed. That will be worked out by technical missions.” “Greater Somalia” Is Goal The over-riding domestic issue here today is the demand, supported by all political factions, for a “Greater Somalia.” The Somali republic, made up of former Italian-held and British-held territories, asserts rights to large additional areas inhabited by Somali peoples in Kenya, Ethiopia and French Somaliland. Emperor Haila Selassie, who has rebuffed Somali demands for cession of Ethiopia`s ****** Province, has charged the Mogadishu Government with inciting Somali villagers and herdsmen there to insurrection The Premier denied this today with a firm “No.” “The Emperor knows this is not true,” he said. “Everyone knows we ask only for a plebiscite and for direct talks with the Emperor on the matter. Our own national Constitution requires that this dispute and [Greater Somalia] issue be settled peacefully. We cannot violate our own Constitution.” The Somalis say Ethiopia brought in “American-armed troops, tanks and jet aircraft” to force the Somalis to pay taxes. Rather than pay, many Somalis, according to the Premier, are moving into Somalia. East African Premier: Abdirashid Ali Shermarke The New York Times November 28, 1962 Somali Prime Minister Abdurashid Ali Shermarke poses 26 June 1960 in Mogadishu Somalia. In a recent meeting with director of Peace Corps, Sergeant Shriver, the Premier of Somalia, Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, described hi individualistic people as “the Irish of Africa”. Mr. Shriver`s reply delighted the Premier: “When you arrive in Washington, tell that to the President and you will get what ever you want!” It is not known whether the Somali leader related the anecdote to President Kennedy at the White House yesterday, but the welcome he received was evidence of the United states` interest in his country. Dr. Shermarke is the first leader of “unaligned” nation to visit the United States officially since the Cuban crisis and the outbreak of hostilities between China and India. He has been Premier since hi country gained its independence in July 1960. So far, the new nation, heavily dependent on foreign aid for its development, has walked the tightrope between the East and West, accepting economic help from both sides. Most of people Nomads Somalia, about the size of Texas, has more than 4,500,000 inhabitants. About 70 percent of them are nomads, living in a land that is semi-arid. The country is called the eastern Horn of Africa because it juts toward Arabia in the extreme northeast of the continent. Most of Somalia`s top men, including the President, Aden Abdullah Osman, can look back to childhoods spent in the bush, herding camels and sheep in the nomad tradition. Dr. Shermarke is an exception. He was born October 16, 1919, to a prominent family in the Indian Ocean port city of Obbia, attended Qur`anic school as a boy and was sent to Mogadishu, now Somalia`s capital, at the age of 13 for further education. He is, like almost everyone in Somalia, a Muslim. At that time, the country that now is Somalia was composed of British Somaliland and Italian Somalia. Dr. Shermarke`s education was interrupted while he worked for the British from 1944 until the beginning of the Italian Trust Administration in 1950. He then received a diploma from the Mogadishu Institute of Law and Economics and a degree with honors in political science form Rome University, in 1958. Dr. Shermarke`s Italian is fluent and his doctoral dissertation in that language was considered brilliant. Long before studying political science, however, he was gaining practical experience in politics. In 1943, the year of its founding, he joined the Somali Youth League. Personally, Dr. Shermarke is reserved and introspective, often seemingly stern when at work. But he is easily moved to impulsive acts of generosity and laughs easily. His wardrobe is neat and conservative, topped with a traditional Muslim hat. He lives with his wife and five children – two boys and three girls – in a modest house in Mogadishu. Dr. Shermarke rarely accepts any but official invitations from the rapidly growing corps of foreign diplomats. He prefers to relax at home with close friends over a cup of spiced Somali tea or a glass of cold camel`s milk. He has a weakness for movies, however, and is frequently seen at night in local theaters. Dr. Shermarke drives what could possibly be described as the oldest and smallest car in high Somali official circles – a second-hand Fiat. One of his qualities – the ability to compromise – has served him well in dealing with an obstreperous Parliament in the last two years. Despite a long political crisis caused by the walkout of members of the Somali national League from both Parliament and the coalition Government, Dr. Shermarke received a vote of confidence from the legislature before leaving on his visit here. British Rule In Somaliland IS Ended The Times Monday, June 27, 1960 Independence Day Celebrations HARGEISA, Somaliland, June 26, 1960 (Reuter): British rule ended here at midnight last night as fireworks and singing crowds heralded the Independence of Somaliland. Celebrations continued throughout the night. A big electric sign on a hillside carried the message: “Long Live independence.” Celebrations in the capital were repeated in settlements and outposts throughout the territory. The rejoicing will continue tomorrow, which has been proclaimed a public holiday. Early this morning crowds thronged the polo ground for the final act of independence. Mohammed Haji Ibrahim Egal, the Prime Minister of independent Somaliland, took an oath on the Quran to the new state and hoisted the blue and white, starred flag. Nearly 1,000 British-trained Somaliland Scouts were then handed over to the Prime Minister by Brigadier O. G. Brooks, the Colonel Commandant. After the ceremony, the crowds swarmed into the town, cheering and shouting freedom slogans. At dusk last night the band of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, beat retreat and the Union Jack was lowered. The last toast to the Queen was proposed by Mr. P. Carrel, who was acting Governor until midnight, at a reception. He said: “This is the last occasion on which we British can offer best wishes for the future of the people of Somaliland and Somalia (the Adjacent Italian trust territory). May they have a happy life and prosperity for the rest of their days.” Union With Somalia The Prime Minister responded with a tribute to the British association, saying: “We have not always seen eye to eye, but we share a Common ideal in the simple things of life. This is not the end of British-Somali relations. These relations are simply taking another shape for the better.” Somaliland plans to unite with Somalia on Friday when Italy gives up her United Nations trusteeship there. A delegation from Mogadishu, including Adan Abdullah, who is likely to be the first President of the new republic of Somalia and Somaliland, has been greeted warmly by the crowds here. Adan Abdullah was met by the Prime minister on his arrival at the airport. Police and Somaliland Scouts lined up to give a general salute and he was greeted by a fanfare of trumpets. Adan Abdullah told the crowds that the people in Somalia eagerly awaited their independence on Friday. He said that there was no major obstacle in the way of union of both countries. There were difficulties in detail, “but there is no doubt that these will be resolved”. The Queens Message A message form the Queen was delivered in Hargeisa yesterday by Mr. T. E. Bromley. British Consul-General in Mogadishu, on the occasion on Somaliland independence day. The Message said: “I, my Government and my people in the United Kingdom, wish you well on this day of independence. The connection between our people goes back some 130 years and British administration of the Protectorate for 60 years. I look forward to a continuing and enduring friendship between our two countries.” Somaliland Marks Independence After 73 Years of British Rule The New York Times Sunday, June 26, 1960 HARGEISA, Somaliland, Sunday, June 26, 1960 (Reuters): Crowds danced in the streets here, bonfires blazed from the hills and fireworks burst in the sky as last midnight spelled the end of Britain`s rule in Somaliland. The country became independent after seventy-three years as a British protectorate. Political parties gave receptions to guests from all communities. The rejoicing was to continue tomorrow, a public holiday. Newly independent Somaliland plans to unite with neighboring Somalia Friday when Italy gives up her United Nations trusteeship there. The five-day hiatus between independence and merger was seen as a period of potential danger. There was fear of possible clashes with Ethiopian tribes along Somaliland`s ill-defined borders. [Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia said Friday he hoped for peaceful border adjustment with free Somalis soon.] Thousands of Somalis turned out to say farewell to the British Governor, Sir Douglas Hall, and his wife. They flew to Aden. A delegation arrived from Mogadishu, the Somali capital, led by the President of Somalia Legislative Assembly, Adan Abdullah. He said the people of Somalia were eagerly awaiting independence. 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Jacaylbaro Posted July 9, 2010 Somaliland plans to unite with Somalia on Friday when Italy gives up her United Nations trusteeship there. Now u know ,,, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowke Posted July 9, 2010 Jacaylbaro their is no competion between the south or north. U will be satisfied to get prime minister where-as we are still refusing that to you. You try to seek recognition thinking your in charge of yourself but we refuse that to you. The quicker u learn that somalis top clans are in the south the better 4 u!!! U can try to boast all u want online on forums but at the end of day bananka marki la tago sxb is-qari. But on forums and online I will tell you what U R THE KING!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cawaale Posted July 9, 2010 Originally posted by Cowke: [QB] The quicker u learn that somalis top clans are in the south the better 4 u!!! /QB] Wallaahi? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xaaji Xunjuf Posted July 9, 2010 cawaale lol, Cowke he has a superiority complex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NGONGE Posted July 9, 2010 Originally posted by Cawaale: quote:Originally posted by Cowke: [QB] The quicker u learn that somalis top clans are in the south the better 4 u!!! /QB] Wallaahi? Wax fahan. He's saying it's "top" heavy. Wa waxay Somaliland la duushay. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
