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Djibouti marked its 48th Independence Day on Thursday, June 27, with a grand national celebration attended by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, senior government officials, and hundreds of citizens. The country gained independence from French colonial rule in 1977, and each year, this historic day is observed to honor the nation’s journey toward freedom and sovereignty.
Speaking during the celebrations, President Guelleh congratulated the people of Djibouti and expressed gratitude to the national heroes who fought for independence. He reminded citizens of the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and unity, especially during such national events.
“This is a day of joy, but also a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave us our freedom. Let us celebrate peacefully and honor their legacy by working together to protect our country,” President Guelleh said. He also emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the public and security forces to keep the nation safe.
Over the years, Djibouti has grown into a stable and strategically important country in the Horn of Africa. It has played a key role in promoting peace and security in the region, particularly in neighboring Somalia.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined in marking the occasion by sending a warm message to President Guelleh and the people of Djibouti. In his statement, he praised the strong relationship between the two countries, which is based on shared history, culture, and language.
“Our bond goes beyond diplomacy. Somalia and Djibouti are tied by common roots and a shared vision for peace, unity, and regional cooperation,” President Mohamud said. He thanked Djibouti for its continued support to Somalia and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening their partnership.
The friendly relationship between Djibouti and Somalia has been consistent since Djibouti’s independence. Djibouti has supported Somalia through difficult times, including by contributing to regional peacekeeping and political stabilization efforts. Both countries see eye to eye on many regional goals and continue to work together for a more stable Horn of Africa.
While Djibouti celebrates its independence on June 27, Somalia begins its own independence commemorations just a day earlier. June 26 marks the date British Somaliland gained independence, and on July 1, 1960, it united with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. These two dates are deeply significant to Somali identity and aspirations, reflecting a long-standing dream of unity among Somali-speaking regions.
This week’s celebrations in Djibouti served as a reminder of how far the nation has come and the importance of preserving the gains made over the last four decades. It was also a time to strengthen national pride and inspire future generations to protect and build on the legacy of independence.
Both President Guelleh and President Mohamud used this occasion to call for continued unity, regional cooperation, and a commitment to peace and development in the Horn of Africa.