Somalia was one of the few key countries that internationally lobbied heavily for Mozambique’s self-determination and definitive end to the 470 years of Portuguese colonial rule. In 1975, when Mozambique was granted independence and the Portuguese flag was lowered for the final time, the only head of state that was in attendance at Mozambique’s independence […]
Sep 6 2018
Palestine Farm in Somalia
Historical tidbit: In the early 1970s, Somalia presented the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) an opportunity to invest in a 500-hectare farm west of Mogadishu. The farm originally belonged to an Italian businessman, and he sold it before permanently leaving the country. Somalia facilitated the project by allowing the import of the required equipment to operate […]
Feb 21 2017
Mahatma Ghandi and Adan (Somali soldier)
Mahatma Gandhi’s reflective encounter with Adan, a Somali soldier who deserted from the British Army in the 1920s (in his own words): “Adan was a young Somali soldier who was sentenced to ten years’ hard labour for desertion from the British Army, which he had joined during the War. He was transferred by the Aden […]
Nov 18 2015
Dhalinyaro (Youth) – Xaaji Aadan Af-Qalooc
My English rendition of Xaaji Aadan Af-qalooc’s (1862 – 1986) famous poem towards the Somali youth, the upcoming generations: Once the tree is dried up and devoid of any leaves, New leaves blossom from the empty spots, resetting the cycle and they rejuvenate the tree, establishing its purpose When the parents reach old age and […]
Nov 18 2015
Axmed Xasan Cawke
What was so amazing about Axmed Xasan Cawke? It wasn’t his soothing voice or the lineage he was born into or the town he grew up in. No, Cawke’s qualities were far more grandeur. He is best remembered for his unwavering principles, his optimistic attitude towards a fragile group – his Somali people — forever […]
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