Mogadishu, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday laid a wreath at the Daljirka Dahsoon (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) in Mogadishu as part of Somalia’s 65th Independence and Unity Day commemorations.
The solemn ceremony paid tribute to the country’s fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and freedom. The President was joined by senior security officials, including Major General Asad Abdullahi Osman, the Commander of the Somali Police Force (SPF), who presented a ceremonial salute as police units stood in formation to honor the occasion.
In a brief address following the wreath-laying, President Mohamud emphasized the enduring legacy of those who fought for Somalia’s independence.
“Their bravery and sacrifice are the foundation of our national identity. We remember them not only today, but every day, as we strive to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous Somalia,” he said.
The annual tribute at Daljirka Dahsoon is one of the most symbolic moments of Independence Day, which marks the historic unification of the former British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland territories on July 1, 1960.
Security in Mogadishu was heightened for the commemorations, with military parades, cultural exhibitions, and public festivities taking place across the capital to mark the milestone event.