Somalia marked 72 years since its national flag was first raised with a state ceremony at the presidential palace in Mogadishu, bringing together the country’s top leadership and military personnel for a commemoration centred on independence, sovereignty and national unity.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the event on Monday, October 12, 2026, as units from the Somali Army, Air Force and Navy staged a military display at Villa Somalia, highlighting the armed forces’ role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ceremony brought together senior officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Speaker of the House of the People, the First Deputy Speaker of the Upper House, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice and commanders of the national armed forces.
Their presence gave the occasion a broader national significance, placing the flag at the centre of a gathering that brought together the country’s political leadership, judicial authorities and security institutions.
Somalia observes Flag Day on October 12 to commemorate the first raising of its blue flag with a white five-pointed star in 1954, during the period leading up to independence. The date remains associated with the country’s struggle for self-determination and the emergence of a shared national identity.
Military Display
The military presentation formed a central part of this year’s celebrations, with personnel drawn from the land, air and naval forces participating in activities at the presidential compound.
The participating units demonstrated their military discipline and readiness while underscoring their stated responsibility to defend Somalia’s flag, independence and national sovereignty.
The display also placed the armed forces within the wider historical narrative of the day, which honours the sacrifices made by generations of Somalis in the pursuit of freedom and the preservation of the country.
For Somalia, the annual commemoration carries significance beyond the raising of a national symbol. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the historical struggle that preceded independence and the responsibilities associated with maintaining a unified state.
Addressing the gathering, President Hassan Sheikh reflected on the historical importance of October 12 and the place of the Somali flag in the country’s national story.
He described the flag as a representation of the unity of the Somali people, their aspirations for freedom and the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country’s independence.
The President also paid tribute to the men and women who lost their lives defending Somalia, its people and its sovereignty, invoking religious prayers for those who died during the struggle.
“On this occasion, I pay special tribute and remembrance to the fighters who sacrificed their lives for our country’s freedom, independence and unity. I pray to Allah to honour with Paradise all Somali martyrs who gave their lives defending the country, religion, people and national sovereignty,” Hassan Sheikh said.
Protection of National Unity
Hassan Sheikh also urged Somalis to preserve the legacy of statehood left by the independence generation and work collectively to strengthen national unity.
He called on citizens to safeguard the country’s independence, defend its sovereignty and protect the continued existence of the Somali state.