Saturday June 28, 2025
Djibouti (HOL) — President Ismail Omar Guelleh joined
government officials and hundreds of citizens on Thursday to mark the 48th
anniversary of Djibouti’s independence from French colonial rule.
The national celebration, held on June 27, honored the
country's 1977 declaration of independence and paid tribute to the heroes who
led the struggle for freedom.
Addressing the nation, President Guelleh wished his country
continued peace and prosperity, urging citizens to prioritize national security
and work closely with law enforcement and the armed forces.
“We should celebrate peacefully on this historic day and
remember those who fought for our independence,” Guelleh said.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also extended his
congratulations to the people and government of Djibouti. In a message to
President Guelleh, he praised Djibouti’s longstanding support for Somalia and
reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
“The relationship between Somalia and Djibouti is grounded
in shared culture, language, and history,” Mohamud said, emphasizing the two
countries' common vision of regional unity and cooperation.
Since gaining independence in 1977, Djibouti has maintained
strong diplomatic and security ties with Somalia, playing a key role in
regional peace efforts and integration.
Somalia commemorates its own path to independence beginning
on June 26, 1960, with British Somaliland’s liberation and the unification with
Italian Somaliland on July 1 to form the Somali Republic—a step toward the
broader vision of Greater Somalia.