AU congratulates Somalia and Burundi on their Independence Day

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AU congratulates Somalia and Burundi on their Independence Day

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - African Union (AU) has congratulated Somalia and Burundi on the occasion of the countries' Independence Anniversaries as the forces of both countries fighting fight al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia.

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MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - African Union (AU) has congratulated Somalia and Burundi on the occasion of the countries' Independence Anniversaries as the forces of both countries fighting fight al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia.

In a statement, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia Francisco Madeira said Somalia has traversed a long and sometimes very difficult road but it has been the resilience, hope and determination of its people that has kept the national flame alive and will steer the country towards a future of peace and prosperity.

"On behalf of AMISOM, I wish the Somali people and its government at all levels a happy 61st Independence Anniversary and a bright and prosperous future,” the envoy said. "It is wonderful to see so many young Somalis passionately celebrating their country’s independence, for it is in them that the country’s future lies.”

He urged Somalis to work closely together in rebuilding a great and prosperous Somalia.

"Every country is built by the vibrancy and energy of its young people. Somalia has a bright future ahead of it, and we wish to once again reiterate our utmost support in helping the country achieve greatness. Long live Somalia,” said Madeira.

Somalia gained independence from Italy on July 1, 1960.

Madeira also joined the government and the people of the Republic of Burundi as they celebrate their country’s 59th independence anniversary.
He particularly saluted the Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF) for the selfless sacrifice for the advancement of African Union-led efforts for peace and security in Somalia.

"Burundi’s role in providing African solutions to the problems that Africa faces is well documented and celebrated. Today, at AMISOM, we join Burundi in celebrating its Independence Day, with special homage to the brave men and women of the Burundi National Defence Forces for their selfless sacrifice over the years towards the attainment of a peaceful and stable Somalia,” Madeira said.

Burundi, which attained independence from Belgium on 1 July 1962, was the second country to deploy its troops to Somalia in December 2007 under the African Union’s peace support operation.

Burundi remains a key AMISOM troop-contributing country alongside Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.