Cairo Voice of the Arabs (in Arabic) 1220 and 1645 GMT

Text of talk addressed to “free Somalis”, read by Sa’d Ghazal:

Free Somalis:

Today, 1st July 1960, marks the dawn of a new era for the free Somalis. A few days ago the independence of the Somaliland Protectorate was proclaimed.

Today, Somalia becomes independent, and the two sisters unite in a united Somali State which assumes a free and independent place in the world.

After independence and unity, the Somalis look forward to the liberation of the other Somali parts still under the domination of imperialism and to their accession to the greater Somali unit.

While conveying greetings and sincere congratulations to our Somali brothers on this happy occasion, we feel bound to speak to them calmly and frankly about some points which we hope will not be forgotten in the midst of rejoicing and celebrations.

Firstly, the imperialists and their agents are not rejoicing with you,
Somalis, as they pretend. They are unhappy and annoyed. They are lying in wait for you, and their intriguing will be more serious than ever before. They want to place difficulties and obstacles in the way of your achievement of an independent rule in Somaliland, in order to demonstrate to the world that you will not be able to shoulder this responsibility alone and that their presence in your country was
necessary and was not a form of domination and usurpation.

For this reason, Somalis, you should open your eyes and look out for the intrigue and plots of imperialism, and thereby prove to imperialism and the entire world that you are worthy of the great mission entrusted to you now that you manage your own affairs.

Secondly – and we say this in all frankness – there are the disputes
which existed in the past and traces of which still remain in minds and ranks. These must disappear completely with the end of the imperialist regime. The situation demands unity and does not permit disunity and discord. The period immediately following independence is the most difficult and serious stage in the
history of a country. Indeed, it is a difficult and arduous trial necessitating solidarity, harmony, fraternity, self-denial, saowifi0e, and the placing of the homeland’s interests above all others and of the interests of an independent and united state above those of individuals.

Thirdly, during this period the Somalis have many duties and responsibilities. Above all, they must carry out the mission of construction and purging, eradicate the elements of subversion, dissipation and backwardness which imperialism left behind it, and start life on a strong basis and a sound foundation.

It is very much hoped that through the efforts and sincerity of its
people the united Somali State will fulfil the expectations of its people and of its brothers, the brotherly Arab people, and the African and Asian peoples; that it will become one of the great States working for the happiness of mankind and the promotion of world peace.