Mogadishu, SOMALI MAGAZINE President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud led the nation in marking the 81st anniversary of the Somali Youth League (SYL), a major movement in Somalia’s history, with a mournful yet uplifting event on Wednesday.
The president paid tribute to the SYL’s heritage by placing flowers at the landmark SYL monument in Mogadishu, symbolising respect and remember for Somali independence pioneers.
The Somali Youth League, founded as the Somali Youth Club, is Somalia’s first political organisation. Its founding signified the start of a never-ending war for sovereignty, which lasted from the 1940s to the 1960s and culminated in the country’s eventual independence.
President Mohamud made a passionate speech to a crowd of residents, encouraging Somali youngsters to be inspired by the SYL’s unwavering spirit.
He emphasised that unity, mobilisation, and active political engagement are critical instruments for defining Somalia’s fate. “The SYL’s journey is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring strength of our national identity,” said President Mohamud. “Today, as we honour their memory, let us also ignite the same fervour within ourselves to carry forward the torch of progress and prosperity.” The president’s appeal to action resonated with Somali youth, who are viewed as the key to promoting change and propelling Somalia forward. The memorial serves not simply as a reflection on the past.
As the country considers the sacrifices made by the SYL, the message is clear: the way to a prosperous Somalia is paved with the involvement and enthusiasm of its young.
The 81st anniversary of the SYL serves as a light of hope, motivating a new generation to rise and contribute to the country’s continuous story of resilience and rebirth. For further information about the SYL and its historical significance, please consult the national archives and historical materials available to the public.