By: Dr. Abdi Elmi Obsiye

A s we grow older, memories become more precious and always represent the truth. As a young kid you may remember some one who had given you a hit at the corner of the street, or you may remember that you were the fastest kid in your neighborhood.

Good memories can be painful or can show happiness. Whatever the memories are about, you wonder what impact you are going to leave to the young generations. Our memories clears up many obstacles in our life. Therefore we can’t change our past memories, but we can certainly pick up some of the useful tips from it. Out parents and teachers have taught us “Honesty is the best Policy” and we have to teach our children the same.

Under the British colonial authorities, the Somaliland communities have struggled to gain their full independence on 26 th June 1960. This day marked a very historic day for all the inhabitants of the Somaliland territory. Where ever he/she is. Of course, there was always a public celebration every where on 26 th June, but this year was different. Yes there wereparty celebrations in presidential residenceand other private hotels in the capital city of Somaliland (Hargiesa) but there was no sign of public celebration. On that day I and my two youngest kids wake up early and attended the Khayriya of Borama to watch the celebration proceedings there as usual. But alas!, Khayriya of Borama was empty, dusty and dirty and there was no sign of the least preparation, I felt very sad and said to my self “ How on earth can we avoid to neglect this great day!!” .

The following days I have continuously read some of the items which some of our local news papers had published. Of the items published in the local news there was an under estimation of this great day (The day of the Somaliland Independence) with no good reason and logic belief. How can somebody want to turn his/her back on 26 th June?. Of course 26 th June is my day and your day and the birth of life of all the Somali Landers, and it is not too late to voice my frustration and to write some of my old memories and to recall.

Some of our important elders who had (shared the happiness of the Somaliland at the gift of their independence). Among our great poetry men was – Abdullahi Suldan “ Timo Ade” ( May Alleh Bless him ) who had cited the famous unforgettable words in our memory-as in the following:-

Ka sideetan sabaan
Calaankaanu sugaynayeen
Sahankiisa ahynow
Seermaweydo hilaacdayow
Sagal manta daroorayoo
Siigadii naga maydhayow
Saqdhexaanu ahyne

Kii soo saarey cadceeddow
Saaxirkii kale guuraye
Sareeyow ma nusqaamow
Aan siduu yahay eegne
Kana sib kana saar!.

In sidayda tiihiin iyo
In kalaanan saxaynine
Soomaaloo calan taagta
Saaka noogu horreysa oo
Saddex wiig iyo maalmo

Hadaan soor cuni waayo
Safrad laygama yaabo
Sarina meyso nafteyda e
Saaxirkii kala guuraye
Sareeyow ma nusqaamow
Aan siduu yahay eegne
Kana sib kana saar!.

Other important memories to note are our chief elders of Somaliland and the agreement with the British colonial Government on the years 1884-1885. The points on the agreement were:-

1. British colonial government authority hereby declared that they are pledged and never to code, sell, mortgage or give any portion of the territory presently inhibited by them or being under their control.
2. All vessels under the British flag shall have free permission to trade all ports and places in Somaliland territories.
3. All British subjects residing in or visiting the territories of the Somaliland shall enjoy perfect safely and protection under the safe conduct of the elders
4. the traffic in slaves through out the territories shall cease for ever
5. The British government shall have the power to appoint an agent or agents to reside in the territories, and every such agent shall be treated with respect and consideration and be entitled to have for his protection.

I think each of us have contributed to make Somaliland well established, and perhaps in some other coming day we will take more pride in celebrating our recognition in a full state together with our democracy, our culture, our peace loving nature and our undisputable achievement in every field. Finally I request you my president to revise the issue of 26 th June and I can only hope now that both 18 th May and 26 th Juneare identical twins and we have to celebrate equally, rather than staying silent in such an occasion.

By: Dr. Abdi Elmi Obsiye

obseyeh3@yahoo.com

Date: 10/07/2006