This letter, dispatched by the Italian Foreign Minister to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on June 30, 1960
, serves as a pivotal reminder underscoring the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of southern Somalia is confined from Yoocada to Raaskambooni as depicted by the map associated with the letter sent by Italy to the UN. The letter said, “In strict adherence to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1418, passed on December 5, 1959, the communique officially marks the cessation of Italy’s trusteeship administration over Italian Somaliland. This cessation, effective from 00:00 pm on June 30, 1960, heralds the emergence of the local territory as an independent and sovereign state.”
It is critical to acknowledge the distinct historical context of Somaliland’s path to sovereignty. Prior to this juncture, Somaliland had achieved independence from a different colonial power, the UK 🇬🇧 on 26 June 1960. This earlier attainment of independence underscores the unique trajectory of Somaliland, distinguishing it from the broader narrative of Somali independence and territorial integrity that some Somali politicians erroneously weaponise today against Somaliland to distort historical facts and deny its independence and territorial integrity.
The unification of Somaliland with Southern Somalia, while initially a merger of two independent states, unfortunately, led to a series of grievous human rights violations against the people of Somaliland. This period was characterized by massacres, forced displacements, systemic discrimination, and the severe destruction of urban centers. Furthermore, the indiscriminate bombardment of civilian areas and the appalling sexual violence perpetrated against women by the regime in Mogadishu underscore the genocidal nature of the conflict.
In response to these atrocities, and driven by an indomitable spirit of self-determination, the people of Som
aliland made the decisive move to reclaim their independence. This historical act of reassertion not only epitomizes the resilience and sovereignty of Somaliland but also marks a critical moment in the region’s ongoing quest for peace, stability, and self-governance.
