May 5 1960: The Day of Infamy for Somaliland

Leadership matter: On May 5, 1960, according to late Egal, who was the leader of Somaliland delegation negotiating with Britain for the independence of Somaliland , in a speech on BBC Somali service, Somaliland leadership including late Egal consented unequivocally that Somaliland to merge with Italian administrated U.N. Somalia trusteeship in Mogadishu on July 1, 1960.

Because of their consequential decision—-not only Somalilanders lost their own freedom and sovereignty—but also they paid heavy toll in human suffering.

And now, it seems leaders with shady characters, are working overtime, to undermine Somaliland’s quest for nationhood. The independent nation that the first generation of Somaliland leaders decided to give away, sixty years ago, on May 5, 1960. Why BBC Somali service decided to rebroadcast late Egal’s speech nine years later in 1969?

Patriotic poems, or songs and hubris about removing the shackles of European colonial powers could not replace a very thoughtful deliberation to decide the political future for Somaliland people—-a decision that affected millions of Somalilanders in a colossal way.

In early 1960, Why Egal , who was the leader for independence—failed to convene the Somaliland legislative council, which was de facto parliament of the soon to be a country—to decide the political destiny of the people they’re representing? I mean whether Somaliland should be an independent country or to unite south Somalia. Can anyone help me answer for that question?

Ali-Guban,Columbus, Ohio, USA