Addis Ababa — Somali president Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed and the president of the self-declared Somaliland Ahmed M. Silanyo, congratulated the people of Somalia in the country and abroad the anniversary of the Independence of the Somali Republic.

On the occasion of the 52nd, the daySomalia's northern regions attained internal self-rule from the colonist of United Kingdomin in 1960,Somalia president also wished the people of Somalia a blessed and happy Independence Day on 26th June in 1960.

"I want to express my excellent wishes to Somalia and its citizens both in the country and out of the country on the occasion of 26th June, the 52nd anniversary of the Independence," said Somali president Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed.

Somali president H.E. Sheik Sharif sheik Ahmed says the occasion comes as the people in south and north of the country opened a dialogue to discuss their future aspiration towards a unity of Somali people after two decade-long civil war and internal conflict.

The story of Somali Independence, days on 26th June and 1st July, tells the story of Somalia's long and hard struggle for political and social freedom from British-Italy colonial rule.