Independence Day in 2025

When is Independence Day?

Independence Day is a public holiday in the Federal Republic of Somalia, observed on June 26th.

This day marks the independence of British Somaliland in June 1960.

History of Independence Day

Located on the Horn of Africa, Somalia enjoyed its position off the Arabian Sea as an important centre for commerce for centuries.

In the late 19th century, during the so-called Scramble for Africa when the European powers wrestled with each other for control of the continent, the British and Italians established the colonies of British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland.

During the early part of the second world war, the Italians invaded British Somaliland. These territorial gains were reversed following Italy's eventual defeat, with Italy only allowed to hold their territory under a UN mandate if they gave self-government to the Somalis.

In May 1960, the British Government stated that it would be prepared to grant independence to its Somaliland protectorate. The Legislative Council of British Somaliland passed a resolution in April 1960 requesting independence. The legislative councils of the territory agreed to this proposal.

On June 26th 1960, British Somaliland declared independence as the State of Somaliland

This new state only existed for five days, as on July 1st 1960, the State of Somaliland united with the Trust Territory of Somaliland under Italian Administration (the former Italian Somaliland) to form the Somali Republic. This event is celebrated with Somali Republic Day, which is the National Day of Somalia.