United States Congratulatory Note on Somaliland Independence in 1960

According to Hon Edna Adan, the independence of Somaliland and that of Madagascar in June 1960 were only 8 hours apart from each other.

The island of the Republic of Madagascar (République de Madagascar) became a colony under the French government in August 1896 and remained so until June 26, 1960, the day it became an independent state at 8 am on Sunday.

Similarly, Somaliland became a British Protectorate in 1884, after the elders of Somaliland entered into treaties with colonial Britain, and this was the case for 76 years until the independence on 26 June at the onset.

Somaliland’s Sovereignty deniers – mainly Somali politicians and intellectuals – argue that no country has recognized Somaliland’s statehood after gaining its independence on 26 June, 1960, ignoring historical facts and documents.

Ambassador David Shin – who was Foreign Service Officer with US Department of State for 37 years, including assignments as ambassador to Burkina Faso and Ethiopia and was also an associate professor in the department of political science at Loyola University Chicago –  wrote that Somaliland was duly recognized as a sovereign entity by the United Nations and thirty-five countries, including the United States in African Notes published in November 2002

Congratulatory message from the United States to the Somaliland administration on the occasion of independence on June 27, 1960 said:

Secretary Herter Sends Regards to Somaliland on Independence

Press release 357 dated June 27

Following is the text of Secretary Herter’s message to the Council of Ministers of Somaliland on the occasion of the independence Of that nation on June 26, 1960. 

JUNE 26, 1960

Their Excellencies, 
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF SOMALILAND, 
Hargeisa.

YOUR EXCELLENCIES: I extend my best wishes and congratulations on the achievement of your independence. This is a noteworthy milestone in your history, and it is with pleasure that I send my warmest regards on this happy occasion. 

CHRISTIAN A. HERTER 
Secretary of State, 
United States of America

In the case of Madagascar, the congratulatory note on their independence came from the President of the United States at the time.

President Eisenhower Congratulates Malagasy Republic on Independence
White House press release dated June 26

Following is the text of a message sent by President Eisenhower to His Excellency Philibert Tsiranana, president of the Malagasy Republic, on the occasion of the independence of that nation on June 26, 1960.

26, 1960

DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: On the occasion of the independence of the Malagasy Republic, I extend in my own name and on behalf of the people of the United States most cordial greetings and felicitations to you and your countrymen.

The independence of the Malagasy Republic achieved in friendly cooperation with France is a source of deep satisfaction to the United States. The Government and people of Madagascar and of France in their efforts to achieve social and economic advancement in Madagascar through democratic means have earned the admiration of all free nations.

On this historic occasion the Government and the people of the United States look forward to close and friendly relations with the Government and people of the Malagasy Republic.

Sincerely,
Dwight D. EISENHOWER

Somalilanders also recently obtained a copy of a historic cable sent by Chinese Premier on June 25, 1960 congratulating Somaliland on its independence.