India was among the few countries to establish diplomatic relations with Somalia just after its independence. A year after the independence of Somalia in 1960, the Commissioner of India to Mauritius was accredited as Ambassador of India to Somalia and presented his Credentials in 1961. Later, a resident Mission was opened in Mogadishu. Since then, India and Somalia have established a time-tested and strong diplomatic relations.
The celebration of over a “Decade of Service” by the Embassy of The Federal Republic of Somalia in India organized in collaboration with Exelient Africa commemorating the diplomatic relations between Somalia and India which has been in existence for over 58 years now, was held recently at India International Centre, New Delhi. On this occasion a special magazine was launched by H.E Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam (Ambassador of Eritrea) and Her Excellency Ebyan Mahamed Salah (Ambassador of Somalia).
The Chief Guest H.E Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam (Ambassador of Eritrea to India; Dean African Heads of Missions in India – AHOM), in his address congratulated Somalia and also applauded the efforts of the Exelient Africa group “I’m indeed pleased that Africa’s youths are not only focusing on business as we have always known but are doing so with a different approach, one of a public and corporate social responsibility style. Exelient Africa is not just a brand name I believe but a family of Young Pan-Africans to reckon with and promote,” he said. Her Excellency Ebyan Mahamed Salah (Ambassador of Somalia; Former Dean Arab League, and Deputy Dean AHOM) reiterated the need of giving such an opportunity to young Leaders. She was also awarded with “The Award of Extraordinary Diplomacy” from Exelient Africa for her exemplary leadership and commitment in promoting Africa-India Relations through youths and people to people connect.
Speaking on the occasion, Ezeugo Nnamdi, Co-Founder Exelient Africa & Secretary General Africa-Asia Youth Foundation (AAYFO), said, “We hope and look forward to a more fruitful relationship between Africa and India as we continue to harness the potentials that are available in both continent and Subcontinent respectively.”
The event was attended by H.E Michael Aaron Oquaye (High Commissioner of Ghana to India), H.E Stella Budiriganya (Ambassador of Burundi to India), H.E Dr. Heba Salah Eldin (Ambassador of Egypt to India), H.E Dr. Tizita Mulugeta Yiman (Ambassador of Ethiopia to India), and H.E Deputy Ambassador of Sudan. Diplomats from The Embassy of DRC, and Somalia were also present at the event and magazine launch. The gathering was also joined by various organizations of repute including members of The Africa-Asia Youth Foundation (AAYFO), India-Africa Youth Energy Forum (IA-YEF), Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL), Indian Institute of Governance and Leadership (IIGL), Human Achievers Foundation, Association of Social Media Professionals, Lions Club Veg, Delhi, and Rajasthani Academy, MSME Chamber of commerce, India Africa Today, Times of Africa and students from Africa.
On every 1st July, the Somalis globally celebrates the anniversary of Somalia’s Independence which was attained on the 26th of June, 1960 in the Northern region of the country, but it was on 1st of July that the unification of the South and North of Somalia was witnessed, making it a momentous day in the history of Somalia.