Somali National News Agency
So
Ar
Search
  • Home
  • Local News
    Local NewsShow More
    Djibouti Commemorates 25th Anniversary of the Arta Somali Reconciliation Conference
    October 30, 2025
    Somalia’s Council of Ministers Approves 2026 Budget Quota Regulation, Greenlights Security and Migration Pacts with Qatar and Uganda
    October 30, 2025
    Ministry of Agriculture Appoints Task Force to Investigate Low-Quality Food and Vegetable Imports
    October 30, 2025
    Somali Police Commissioner Chairs High-Level Meeting with National and International Partners on Border Security
    October 30, 2025
    Parliamentary Secretary-General Visits Somali Embassy in Beijing, Commends Staff on Strengthening Sino-Somali Relations
    October 30, 2025
  • World News
    World NewsShow More
    Five people dead as rescue boat overturns in Pakistan floods
    September 7, 2025
    Landslide kills more than 1,000 in Sudan’s Darfur region, armed group says
    September 2, 2025
    Search for survivors still on after 800 killed in an earthquake in Afghanistan
    September 2, 2025
    An earthquake devastates eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 600 and destroying villages
    September 1, 2025
    Hamas accepts an Arab ceasefire proposal on Gaza as Palestinian death toll passes 62,000
    August 19, 2025
  • Articles
    ArticlesShow More
    President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh: The Djiboutian Leader Who Helped Rebuild Somalia’s Third Republic
    October 29, 2025
    Egypt’s New Administrative Capital: Ambitious, Smart and Underway
    October 27, 2025
    What We Risk When AI Systems Remember
    October 22, 2025
    America’s Tariff Weaponization: An Economic Analysis of 500% Tariffs and the Inevitable Bipolar Bifurcation
    October 19, 2025
    The ICG’s Somalia Report “ A Biased Narrative Designed to Sustain Fragility”
    October 18, 2025
  • Business
    BusinessShow More
    America’s Tariff Weaponization: An Economic Analysis of 500% Tariffs and the Inevitable Bipolar Bifurcation
    October 19, 2025
    Somalia Unveils the Blueprint for a Modern and Sustainable Mogadishu
    December 21, 2024
    Djibouti Launches $57.4 Million Youth Entrepreneurship Project to Combat Climate Change
    November 25, 2024
    FM meets Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia
    October 28, 2024
    President Hassan Sheikh Inaugurates New LPG Storage Center in Mogadishu
    May 12, 2024
  • Sports
    SportsShow More
    Somali Ambassador to Kenya Congratulates Dekadaha FC on Historic CAF Confederation Cup Victory
    September 28, 2025
    Somalia’s Dekadaha FC faces Sudan’s Alzamala Sports Club in Nairobi
    September 20, 2025
    Mogadishu Stadium to Host Star-Studded Match Featuring Somali Legends and International Football Icons
    May 27, 2025
    Arsenal held at Brighton while Man City bounce-back continues
    January 5, 2025
    Galmudug wins the Inter-State Football Tournament
    January 29, 2024
  • Tenders
    TendersShow More
Reading: The Enduring Legacy of the Somali Youth League: Marking May 15th, Somali Youth Day
Share
Font ResizerAa
Somali National News AgencySomali National News Agency
  • SOMALI
  • ARABIC
Search
  • Home
  • Local News
  • World News
  • Articles
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tenders
Follow US
©2023 || All rights reserved SONNA
Somali National News Agency > Blog > Local News > The Enduring Legacy of the Somali Youth League: Marking May 15th, Somali Youth Day
Local News

The Enduring Legacy of the Somali Youth League: Marking May 15th, Somali Youth Day

By Abdiqani Abdullahi
Last updated: May 15, 2025
7 Min Read
Share

Mogadishu, SONNA – Today, May 15th, Somalia proudly commemorates Somali Youth Day, a date etched in the nation’s history as a prove to the pivotal role of its young people in the struggle for independence and the ongoing journey of nation-building. This day serves as a powerful reminder that the vibrancy, energy, and unwavering dedication of youth are indispensable for the progress, security, and prosperity of any nation.

While the annals of Somali history recount earlier instances of resistance against colonial incursions in the 15th and early 19th centuries, the period around World War II witnessed the emergence of organized political movements determined to end the modern colonial exploitation driven by economic interests. These movements, distinct from the era of slavery which had been outlawed globally, recognized the need for a unified and concerted effort to achieve genuine self-determination.

The year 1943 marked a watershed moment with the formation of the Somali Youth Club (SYC). Thirteen educated young individuals, driven by a shared vision of national unity and complete independence, came together to form this groundbreaking organization. Their collective action ignited a flame of patriotism and laid the foundation for the future of Somalia.

Inspired by the spirit of the SYC in the northern regions, a similar movement emerged under the banner of the Somali National League (SNL). Mirroring the aspirations of their southern counterparts, the SNL also championed the cause of Somali unity, further solidifying the growing sentiment for a unified and independent nation.

In 1947, the Somali Youth Club underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as the Somali Youth Liberation League (SYL). This name change reflected the organization’s evolving goals and its commitment to achieving independence. The SYL became a unifying force, drawing together Somalis from all walks of life who yearned for self-governance.

The subsequent year, 1948, witnessed the SYL’s remarkable ability to mobilize widespread movements for independence across various regions of the country and even extending its influence into neighboring territories inhabited by Somalis, including parts of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Their message resonated deeply with the Somali people, igniting a powerful wave of nationalist sentiment.

A crucial milestone was reached in 1949 when the SYL successfully presented a detailed document to the United Nations Headquarters, outlining the prevailing colonial situation and articulating the Somali people’s fervent desire for independence. This advocacy at the international stage played a vital role in shaping global opinion. Consequently, on April 1, 1950, Somalia was granted a ten-year period under a trusteeship, a crucial step towards full sovereignty that allowed for the development of the necessary governmental structures.

Between 1956 and 1960, the SYL took on the responsibility of leading the Internal or Provisional Government. This period of self-governance, supported by the wisdom of religious scholars, the experience of traditional elders, the dedication of women, the skills of workers, and the insights of intellectuals, was instrumental in preparing Somalia for the responsibilities of an independent nation.

Notably, during this period, the SNL in the northern regions demonstrated their commitment to Somali unity by seamlessly integrating their efforts into the broader movement for independence, without imposing any preconditions. This spirit of collaboration and shared aspiration was crucial in achieving the unified nation that emerged in 1960.

As we reflect on the journey to independence, it is vital to remember the countless sacrifices made by individuals from all segments of Somali society. Many bravely risked and tragically lost their lives in support of the SYL’s activities and the overarching Somali independence movement. Conversely, history also notes the presence of a small number of individuals who resisted the call for independence, choosing instead to align themselves with the colonial administration.

Today, May 15th stands as a solemn and proud national day in Somalia, dedicated to commemorating the founding of the Somali Youth League. This organization holds the distinction of being the first political entity established in the country, spearheading the arduous yet ultimately successful struggle for the liberation of the Somali people and their land.

On this significant occasion, it is imperative to emphasize the ongoing responsibility of Somali youth in the present and future development of the nation. Just as their predecessors played a decisive role in achieving independence, today’s youth must actively engage in development programs, contribute their talents and energies, and participate in safeguarding the nation and striving for a prosperous future as an equal member of the global community.

The youth of today, the inheritors of the legacy of the SYL, are expected to draw inspiration from the dedication and unity displayed by the founding youth league. Simultaneously, they must remain vigilant and aware of any tactics or strategies employed by those who might seek to hinder Somalia’s progress towards prosperity and development.

In these challenging times, the youth hold the key to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development in Somalia. They require guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s advancement, defense, and the restoration of security and stability.

Therefore, on this 82nd anniversary of the founding of the Somali Youth League, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all Somali youth, wherever they may be and whatever challenges they may face.

Finally, we express our sincere wishes for the continued progress and a bright future for the Somali youth, a future that holds the promise of a prosperous and fulfilling life for all.

Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Copy Link Print

MORE NEWS

Ode to Yan’an: How a Song Inspired Chinese Youth During Wartime

ArticlesCulture
August 19, 2025

Djibouti Commemorates 25th Anniversary of the Arta Somali Reconciliation Conference

Arta, Djibouti – (SONNA) – The city of Arta, the cradle of Somalia's 21st-century statehood,…

October 30, 2025

Nasra Bashir Ali: Women can do like men, just try as I do

Mogadishu{SONNA}-:The prominent Somali journalist Nasra Bashir Ali, urged girls to depend on their selves and…

May 31, 2020

Weekly News Buletin Ministry of information, Culture and Tourism 1 August 2019

Weekly News Buletin Ministry of information, Culture and Tourism 1 August 2019 Bulletin Vol 10

September 2, 2019

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Joint Training Project by Universities of SNU and Palermo in Italy launched in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, (SONNA) – A new training program jointly organized by the University of Palermo in Italy and the Somali National…

Local News
July 15, 2025

Somali Police Force Inaugurates Renovated Vehicle Command Headquarters

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Commander of the Somali Police Force, Major General Asad Osman Abdullahi, officially inaugurated the newly renovated…

Local News
March 24, 2025

Interior Minister hosts Iftar reception marking the holy month of Ramadan

Mogadishu, (SONNA) - The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E Ali Yusuf…

Local News
March 19, 2025

Somalia’s President Commends Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Gaza, (SONNA): The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has expressed his strong support for…

Local News
January 16, 2025

Somali National News Agency established in 1964. It is one of the main pillars of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

  • Home
  • Local News
  • World News
  • Articles
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tenders
  • SNTV
  • RADIO MOGADISHU
  • DALKA JOURNAL
  • TOURISM DEPARTMENT

Follow US: 

  • MoICT
  • VILLA SOMALIA
  • OPM SOMALIA

All rights reserved SONNA

©2023

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?