July 1, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somalia marks 54th anniversary of independence

01 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog/SNTV/- 200 words

A colourful ceremony to commemorate the 54th anniversary of Southern Somalia independence and union of Northern and Southern regions of Somalia was held in Mogadishu.

The top leaders of the republic of Somalia, president Hassan, PM Abdiweli, Speaker of the federal parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari, invited guests,musicians and many people from all parts of the capital participated in the ceremony. All the participants welcomed and highlighted the importance of day, the musicians presented patriotic songs.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mohamud sent congratulations to Somali people all over the country and stated that the federal government is committed to restore the unity of Somalia. He highlighted the achievements of the federal government including maintenance of security stating that the attacks of al Shabaab will not decline the efforts of the government to maintain security.

He also thanked government forces all over the government controlled areas for maintaining overall security, he urged them to double their brave efforts to enable the community break their fast with peace.

Similar occasions to mark the day were held in Baidoa, Beledweyne, Dusamareb, Galkayo and Garowe where all the participants welcomed the great day with joy.

Key Headlines

Somalia marks 54th anniversary of independence (Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog)
Somali doctor warns of looming famine (Radio Ergo)
Kismayo explosion claims one injures three others (Radio RBC)
AMISOM congratulates Somalia on the 54th anniversary of its independence (AMISOM)
Somali leaders congratulate Somali people for Independence Day (Radio Bar-kulan)
UN Special Representative congratulates Somalia on 54th Independence Day (UNSOM)
U.S. congratulates Somali Government and its people on their on Independence Day (Radio RBC)
Deputy Head of AMISOM applauds Baidoa Local Administrators for promoting unity (AMISOM)
Government forces and AMISOM clear bushes along Afgoye-Marka road (Radio Goobjoog)
Somali delegation in Ghana on a mission to acquire election management best practice (AMISOM)
Gunmen kill local government officials in Mogadishu (Goobjoog/Radio Shabelle)
Al Shabaab threatens more attacks in Mogadishu over Ramadhan (Daily Nation/AFP)
Somali delegation in Ghana on a mission to acquire election management best practice (AMISOM)
Somali President believes Somalia is on the right path to progress (Radio Bar-kulan)
Kenya to Recruit 10000 More Police Officers to Enhance Security (Bernama/Fars News Agency)
Shibis administration investigates the murder of government official (Radio Goobjoog)
Kaaraan Administration Give Details on Explosion (Radio Dalsan)
Displaced farmers encouraged to return to Bay (Radio Ergo)
Government worker killed in second blast in Somalia (Standard Media)
11 Somalis to be charged (Star-Kenya)
Amnesty versus justice: how to deal with al Shabaab defectors (Sabahi Online)
Conflict and Late Rains Drives Thousands from their Homes in Somalia (trust.org)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM congratulates Somalia on the 54th anniversary of its independence

01 Jul- Source: AMISOM- 176 Words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador MahamatSalehAnnadif has congratulated the Somali people as they mark their independence day.

“On behalf of the African Union, I extend our felicitations and warm wishes to the people of Somalia. Just like the proud moment, 54 years ago when we watched the birth of a great nation, today we witness the renaissance of Somalia as it enters a new chapter of its history,” said Ambassador Annadif while reiterating AMISOM’s unwavering commitment and support for Somalia.

Noting Somalia’s important role as a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which preceded the African Union, Ambassador Annadif urged the continent to support Somalia’s ambitions to reinvent itself and take its rightful place in the world.

“The Somali people have demonstrated their unwavering resolve to take charge of their country’s destiny and they are working hard to see their ideal state take shape. Despite all the challenges facing the country, recent developments are encouraging and show that the gains are irreversible,” said Ambassador Annadif.

UN Special Representative congratulates Somalia on 54th Independence Day

01 Jul- Source: UNSOM- 127 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, congratulated the people of Somalia as they celebrated their 54th Independence Day and called on all Somalis to unite and continue the hard work to build a peaceful future for their country.

“On this day, 54 years ago, the people of Somalia took charge of their own destiny and realised their aspiration for an independent sovereign nation, committed to the ideals of unity, equality and justice. The hard work of building a peaceful and prosperous nation continues today. As we celebrate independence day, we not only remember the historic achievement of 1960, but we also look towards the future and pledge to support a peaceful and stable future for all Somali people.” Mr Kay said.

Deputy Head of AMISOM applauds Baidoa Local Administrators for promoting unity

01 Jul- Source: AMISOM- 417 words

The newly appointed Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Somalia (DSRCC), Honorable Lydia Wanyoto Mutende has applauded the leadership of the previously fractious Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions for burying the hatchet and working towards unity.

Hon. Wanyoto-Mutende was speaking after meeting the regions’ administrators in Baidoa yesterday, exactly a week after representatives of the South West-6 Group and the South West-3 Group signed an agreement to form an interim administration for the three regions of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle.

“By working together in peace, al Shabaab will find no way to operate. Do not give a chance to violence. Continue to solve all issues by sitting down together, discussing and resolving your conflicts amicably,” she said. “It is now time to rebuild Somalia; to build schools for your children, roads, water sources to alleviate the suffering, and other infrastructure. There are more important things to do.”

Hon. Wanyoto conveyed her admiration for the determination of the local administration to steer their region into a direction of peace and reconciliation. She emphasized the importance of solving all problems through dialogue rather than resorting to violence.

The leaders expressed their “appreciation for the passion and sincere involvement of AMISOM in matters that are dear” to them, and said Hon. Wanyoto-Mutende’s visit was testimony about AMISOM’s concern for the well-being and progress of the people of Somalia.

“AMISOM has a different culture from ours, but they have showed us time and again that we are all brothers and for this, we shall continue to support them and to work very closely with them,” they said.

The elders also conveyed to the DSRCC their challenges, including the lack of proper administrative skills to effectively serve the people they represent.
The DSRCC reassured them of AMISOM’s continued support. She cited the capacity building programme for Somali civil servants that the mission has been conducting since 2010, as part of the on-going support.

Meanwhile, the DSRCC met with the Ethiopian troops in Sector 3, led by their Sector Commander, Brig. Gen. Gabremadhin Fikadu, as well as the women serving in the contingent, to motivate them and thank them for the sacrifice they are making for the cause of stability in Somalia and Africa. She passed a goodwill message for the holy month of Ramadan while meeting with the locals, before she toured the now relatively secure town, as a reassurance to the communities of the presence of AMISOM forces particularly during this Ramadan season.

Somali delegation in Ghana on a mission to acquire election management best practice

30 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 218 words

A 5-member delegation, including two women, from Somalia arrived in Accra, Ghana, yesterday to participate in an 11-day election management course organized by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in partnership with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).

The Somali Deputy Minister of Information Honourable Abdullahi Olad Roble led the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) delegation which includes Mrs Zahara Hassan and Mr Abdifitah Mohamud. AMISOM is represented by Senior Political Affairs Officer, Ssebirumbi Kisinziggo, while the civil society is represented by Mrs Nafisa Santur.

The election management course will offer participants the opportunity to learn theory and to engage in field work.

“The mission is aimed at engaging KAIPTC for collaboration towards more capacity building in Somalia, and in line with AMISOM’s mandate to support the FGS in establishing the required institutions and to create conducive conditions for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections by 2016,” Mr. Kisinziggo said.

The course, which was sponsored by the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA), will cover: Election management Bodies (EMB), Standards and Principles for Election Administration, Legal Framework, Electoral Systems, Electoral Operation, Public Outreach, Election Observation, Electoral Integrity, Electoral Process, Election, Conflict and Security, Election Dispute resolution, Election Monitoring and Evaluation, Women, Gender and Election, Stakeholders Management, Global, Regional and National Best Practices.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalia marks 54th anniversary of independence

01 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog/SNTV/- 200 words

A colourful ceremony to commemorate the 54th anniversary of Southern Somalia independence and union of Northern and Southern regions of Somalia was held in Mogadishu.

Similar occasions to mark the day were held in Baidoa, Beledweyne, Dusamareb, Galkayo and Garowe where all the participants welcomed the great day with joy.

Somali leaders congratulate Somali people for Independence Day

01 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 185 words

Somali government leaders have sent congratulatory messages to the Somali people as they mark the 54th Independence Anniversary across the country.

A ceremony held in Mogadishu was attended by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, Parliament Speaker, Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari and other government officials to mark Somalia’s 54th Independence Anniversary.

Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that Somalia has a golden opportunity to reinvent itself and take its rightful place in the international arena. He wished Somali people for unity and a prosperous future.

Parliament Speaker, Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari congratulated Somali people for the Independence Day and urged them to embrace Somalia’s recent progress and development.

Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed also highlighted the importance of this occasion to the Somali people and noted that Somalia is on the right track for a prosperous future after more than twenty years of chaos and civil war.

Meanwhile, Somalis in other parts of the country celebrate 1st July which is the day southern regions gained independence from Italy and united with northern regions to form Somali Republic 54 years ago.

Government forces and AMISOM clear bushes along Afgoye-Marka road

01 Jul – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 119 words

Federal government forces backed by African union peacekeeping troops started clearing bushes and tall trees along Afgoye-Marka road. The bushes and tall trees in some places hampered transportation and sometimes the bushes became a hiding ground for gunmen who regularly carry out attack on government forces and AU convoy that ply on the road as one of the forces told Radio Goobjoog.

The forces stated that the operation will start from Bar- Ismail junction in Afgoye and vowed to continue until the bushes around the main road is cleared.

The operation has started and might continue for days as the roads got blocked in some places as no maintenance received since the collapse of the Central government.

Kismayo explosion claims one, injures three others

01 Jul- Source: Radio RBC- 122 words

At least one person was confirmed dead and three others injured when an explosion rocked Shaqalaha Village in Lower Jubba regional capital of Kismayo. The explosion was targeted on Interim Jubba administration soldiers in the port city.

As RBC Radio reporter confirmed, the person who died in the explosion was civilian, while the three injured were the Interim Jubba government soldiers.

The casualties were rushed to the general hospital of the town and are receiving medical care. According to the Jubba administration, the explosion was caused by land mine.

No one claimed the responsibility of the attack, although there is suspicion that Somali al Shabaab rebels might have been behind it.

Somali President believes Somalia is on the right path to progress

01 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 136 words

Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has stated that Somalia is on the right path and thanked Somali national army for its continuous efforts to bring law and order back to the country.

He said that Somali national army thwarted terrorist plots against the country and its people on numerous occasions and stressed his belief that the country is on the right path to progress and advancement.

The president further stated that the international community is fully committed to supporting Somalia which he said is a result of his government’s efforts to stabilize the country.

He hoped that Somalia’s peace and progress will be much greater next year and urged Somali people to work together to achieve peace and unity.

The president was speaking at a ceremony in Mogadishu to mark the 54th Anniversary of Somalia’s Independence.

Somali doctor warns of looming famine

01 Jul- Source: Radio Ergo- 282 words

Medical officers have reported growing numbers of cases of malnutrition among children in war-ravaged regions of south-central parts of the country. They are sounding the alarm over a possible repeat of widespread famine.

“This is a major warning…we have already seen the “yellow” signs; we shouldn’t wait until it gets to “red” to witness the 2011 catastrophe again,” Dr Deqo Aden Mohamed, head of Hawo Abdi clinic on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

The hospital, which provides free medical services to displaced people and poor families, has been receiving around 30 children suffering from the effects of severe acute malnutrition each week.

The children, aged between six months and six years, are mostly being brought to the hospital from Lower Shabelle and Bay regions, as well as from IDP camps outside Mogadishu.

These are all areas where medical services are very limited due to high levels of insecurity.

“Initially, we were getting between 10 and 20 children a week, but it’s now growing fast,” Dr Mohamed told Radio Ergo’s local reporter.

She warned the situation could get worse and if preventive actions were not taken immediately may escalate into a repeat of the 2011 drought and famine, in which nearly 250,000 people died.

The hospital’s nutrition department, which can only serve 80 children, is providing nutritious food, milk and drugs to the children. But Dr Mohamed said the children are being moved out of the hospital as soon as they appear to recover to make room for new worse-off arrivals.

Dr Mohamed said no agency has stepped in to fill the gap left by the departure of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which used to provide nutritional feeding and treatment for malnourished children.

Gunmen kill local government officials in Mogadishu

01 Jul- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Shabelle- 104 words

Two local government officials, tax collector and a soldier who was keeping guard were killed by gunmen at Afarta Dirjin junction in Mogadishu. The local government officer was collecting tax at the bus stop near the junction when the gunmen attacked him, witness confirmed to Radio Goobjoog.

Also another person sustained injuries during the attack by the gunmen. Sources say the wounded man is the son of the local government worker killed at the junction.

The killers immediately disappeared from the scene. Government forces reached the area and launched operations to track the perpetrators. No group claimed the responsibility of the murder.

U.S. congratulates Somali Government and its people on their on Independence Day

01 Jul- Source: Radio RBC- 169 words

Acting United States Special Representative for Somalia Brian H. Phipps congratulates Somalia as it celebrates its national day on July 1. “On behalf of President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry and the American people, I congratulate the government and people of Somalia as you celebrate the 54th anniversary of your independence today,” said Phipps.

As Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman recently stated, “Now is the best time, the best chance in a quarter century for [Somalis] to realize the promise that accompanied their nation’s independence. In that quest, the United States is right where it should be: on Somalia’s side. And as we support the country’s progress, our strategy is centered on three key elements: security, governance, and development.”

The Government of the United States reaffirms its commitment to support the people of Somalia and the Federal Government of Somalia as they work to stabilize and govern the country. We look forward to working as close partners for the benefit of Somalia and the region.

Shibis administration investigates the murder of government official

01 Jul- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 130 words

The administration of Shibis district in Banadir region stated that operations and searches meant to pursue perpetrators who killed government official is actively going on in the district.

Shibis district commissioner Abdifatah Noor speaking to Radio Goobjoog said that the killed official was working with transport ministry. “The investigations are underway and the murderers will brought to justice,” he said while speaking to Radio Goobjoog.

The commissioner added that the officer died after explosive devices hidden in his car went off and sustained serious injuries where he finally died in hospital.

Al Shabaab claimed the responsibility of the killings, other explosions in Mogadishu and vowed to increase the attacks during the holy month of Ramadan despite government’s claim to speed up security operations dubbed “ break your fast with peace”.

Kaaraan Administration Give Details on Explosion

30 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan- 177 words

Kaaraan District Commissioner gave details on the explosion which happened at Kaaraan Market Mondaywhere some people died and others were wounded.

He said two people were killed while seven others were wounded. The casualties include local government soldiers in the area as the bomb was planted inside their office. Business premises were surrounding that office. “A disaster happened here. We don’t know who the target was. This is a market place. Two people who were shopping in the market died and the number of people who were wounded is seven..and it is Ramadan,” the Commissioner said.

This is the second explosion to happen in Mogadishu during this Ramadan which is only 2 days old.

Displaced farmers encouraged to return to Bay

30 Jun- Source: Radio Ergo- 149 words

Community leaders in Baidoa have launched a campaign encouraging displaced farmers from Bay region to come back home in order to harvest their farmlands.

The campaign was announced after concluding a two-day training course organized by local leaders and experts for the region’s farmers in Baidoa. The training, which brought together more than 250 farmers, focused on methods of increasing harvests so that the region can produce sufficient food for its residents.

Mohamed Aden Qalinle, a member of the farmers association, said it was time for farmers to return to their farms instead of struggling with their hard life in IDP camps. He said the farmers had fled from their original homes in Bay and Bakool regions due to conflict, drought and famine in recent years.

Another farmer, Hawo Hassan Omar, said the farmers could only return if security improved and they had enough seeds to plant their farms.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Government worker killed in second blast in Somalia

01 Jul – Source: Standard Media – 201 words

An official with the Somali Transport Ministry was killed by a bomb blast in the capital of Mogadishu on Monday, hours after at least two people were killed and seven wounded when another bomb blast ripped through a busy market, officials said.

Al Shabaab militants, who have vowed to mount a series of attacks during Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month which began on Sunday, claimed responsibility for both attacks. The militant Islamist group also claimed its gunmen shot dead three people on Sunday and said the killings were just the start of its group’s Ramadan campaign.

Ahmed Issack, a police officer in the city, told Reuters the dead government worker succumbed in hospital to injuries he sustained when a bomb went off as he drove his car. It was not clear if Monday’s bomb was planted in the car or was planted along the road and detonated remotely, Issack said.

Al Shabaab threatens more attacks in Mogadishu over Ramadhan

01 Jul- Source: Daily Nation/AFP- 237 words

Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for a string of attacks in the capital Mogadishu and warned that violence will intensify during Islam’s holy month of Ramadhan.

“Mujahedeen fighters carried out operations inside Mogadishu killing several of the apostate government soldiers,” al Shabaab spokesman Abdulaziz Abu Musab told AFP on Tuesday.

He warned soldiers that the group will “target them on the streets and inside their bases.”

Five blasts were reported on Monday, including a roadside bomb that killed at least two people when it ripped through a market busy with shoppers buying food to celebrate the breaking of the Ramadhan fast with their families at sunset.

Kenya: 11 Somalis to be charged

01 Jul- Source: Star-Kenya- 85 words

Eleven Somalia nationals have been arrested on the Webuye-Eldoret highway for being in the country illegal. A Kenyan who was driving a private car they were in was also arrested. The seven women, one man and three children are being held by anti-terrorism police and National Intelligence Service officers. The Somalis did not have documentation to be in Kenya. Webuye DCIO Douglas Chikanda said the 11 will be charged in court. He said the driver will be charged with helping illegal immigrants get into Kenya.

Amnesty versus justice: how to deal with al Shabaab defectors

30 Jun- Source: Sabahi Online- 1077 words

The continuing defection of al Shabaab militants to the Somali government, including high profile leaders such as Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys and Sheikh Mohamed Said “Atom”, has reignited debate about granting amnesty to former fighters versus ensuring justice is served.

Former al Shabaab militants often cite abuses against innocent civilians, inconsistent payment and a fear of being killed by their own members as reasons for leaving the group. But their transition to civilian life has left a mixed record that raises the question of whether they should receive amnesty or be prosecuted in court.

Some al Shabaab defectors have provided assistance to the Somali government in fighting the militant group while others have been able to gain new skills and support from the Somali government and other partners in rehabilitation facilities.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenya to Recruit 10,000 More Police Officers to Enhance Security

01 July- Source: Bernama/Fars News Agency/Al Jazeera/Xinhua/Shanghai Daily-254 Words

The Kenyan government announced on Tuesday its plan to recruit 10,000 more police officers in mid July to help beef up security across the East African nation.
“The recruitment will take place on July 14 for candidates who will be between 18 and 28 years old and 30 years for those with specialized skills including diploma and degree,” said Johnston Kavuludi, chairman of the National Police Service Commission (NPS), Al-Jazeera reported.

“Some 6,000 police constables will be regular police and 4,000 Administration Police,” Kavuludi noted, adding that the recruitment panels would be in the centers ready to receive application forms from those interested.

“NPS has appointed a team to spearhead the exercise in more than 200 districts. The recruitment will be done on a single day for both services to avoid or reduce cases of corruption at large,” he said.

“This will increase the police force to almost 100,000 after more than 7,000 police officers graduated in the past two months. The additional police officers will help contain soaring crime across the East African nation,” he added.

Conflict and Late Rains Drives Thousands from their Homes in Somalia

30 Jun- Source: .trust.org- 912 words

Shukri Sheikh Ali thought this year would be different. It was to be a time of rebuilding, of recovering, of returning home. Instead, she is starting over once again from scratch, her land thirsty for rain and her village emptied by conflict as Somalia once again faces the threat of a cascading and critical food shortage.

Three years ago, drought and famine forced Shukri and her family to leave their village of Anbaray in Lower Shabelle in southern Somalia. They resettled in a displacement camp near the airport in Mogadishu, the country’s conflict-shattered capital, where they lived for more than two years. In late 2013, they thought it was finally safe to go back to Anbaray and prepare their land for planting.

“When we decided to go back to our village, we were so excited,” she says. “We were so happy. The thing on our minds was to start rebuilding our lives, our farms, the life we knew.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“The new thinking among the militants’ top leadership is that they are pursuing a noble cause beyond Somalia.”

Heed advice on al Shabaab

01 Jul- Source: Daily Nation-182 Words

Countries in the region should take seriously the warning from the United Nations that Al-Shabaab have been emboldened after recent successful attacks outside Somalia.

Nick Kay, the UN Special Representative to Somalia, says that unless countries in the region embrace greater cooperation in terms of information sharing and stronger border controls, Al-Shabaab is likely to succeed in its new objective to focus beyond Somalia.

The new thinking among the militants’ top leadership is that they are pursuing a noble cause beyond Somalia, and they are nursing the ambition to equal the status of their affiliate, Al-Qaeda in terms of reach and devastation.

“The United States as the last superpower and guarantor of the international order and stability should do more to help Somalia to become a valuable member of the international community. Somalia needs honest partnership to regain the characteristics and credibility of sovereign State.”

America on Somalia’s side

30 Jun- Source: Hiiraan Online-1717 Words

Lately, major news headlines on Somalia have diminished the hope for relief of the human suffering in Somalia. Some of the news headlines include the disastrous political, security, and humanitarian consequences of two yearlong planned military offensive of African Union forces (AMISOM) against four al Shabaab stronghold cities (Elbur, Qoryoley, Bulo Burte, and Huddur), the UN global warning about children facing “starvation and death” and 2 million more in “food insecurity,” deadly violence instigated by the hysteria of clan federalism (land ownership) in Kismaio, Belet Hawo, Marka, Baidoa, and in Khatumo regions ( Sool and Sanaag) disputed by the ethnic enclaves of Puntland and Somaliland, the political infighting among Somali leaders, the surreal talk about 2016 constitutional referendum and national political election, the surprise resignation of the Special Representative and Head of AU Mission for Somalia Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the “extremely alarming” outbreak of measles declared by WHO and UNICEF, the crackdown and forced repatriation of Somali refugees in Kenya, and the provocative declarations of Ethiopia and Kenya leaders who insist that their forces will not leave Somalia as long as they are not satisfied with the political and security situation in Somalia.

The ongoing level of humanitarian disaster belies the shameful claims and fanfares of progress touted by donors’ officials and Somali leaders for justifying the financial resources dispensed or looted on behalf of Somalia. Foreign officials and Somali leaders would like to brag about ceremonies, travels, meetings, small and expensive projects that ceased to function like Mogadishu solar street lighting and market places, while in the western democracies the focus is on problems and shortfalls for accountability and actions. In Somalia, institutions are not earning credibility.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia PRESS RELEASE: #AMISOM congratulates#Somalia on the 54th anniversary of its independencehttp://bit.ly/1mDG65w pic.twitter.com/ygSdo9SAZI

@Somalia111 Enjoyed #Somalia‘s midnight independence festivities. Good to be out late in Mogadishu. Thanks for invite. Happy 54th pic.twitter.com/ar3BtzV1N6

@nomadicious Somalia has the longest and most beautiful coastline in Africa. Look at our amazing beaches. Happy independence day! pic.twitter.com/cvVoWbMI00

@prince_awil Happy 54th Independence Day to #somalia.#54thIndependenceDay. The Fallen shall Rise.pic.twitter.com/jliBzwWOyd

‏@FaroleM #Somalia come back with strength and joy and be friends again It’s time to look forward and take command.pic.twitter.com/CF5itzoVSn

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Image of the day

Image of the day A young Somali woman, her face painted with her country’s flag, attends an Independence Day celebration in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 1 July 2014. Photo: UN / Tobin Jones