This Day in History: June 25, 1960
25 June 1960 marked the end of 73 years of British regime in Somaliland. Fireworks and singing crowds marked the Independence of Somaliland and celebrations continued throughout the night. During celebrations a big electric sign on a hillside carried the message: “Long Live independence.”
Mohammed Haji Ibrahim Egal took an Oath on the Quran as Prime Minister of the new nation of Somaliland. Nearly 1 000 British-trained Somali troops were handed over to him by the retiring commandant, Brig. Gen. O. G. Brooks.