The scholar from South Africa's Tshwane University of Technology says Somalia’s struggle is not just with its past, but with a present still shaped by colonial-era borders, internal clan divisions, and the scars of prolonged conflict. “You cannot celebrate true independence when your people are still refugees, when the nation remains divided,” he said.

June 26 marked the date British Somaliland gained independence in 1960. A few days later, on July 1, it united with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. But decades later, the country remains fractured. Somaliland now operates with de facto autonomy, while violence and displacement persist across various regions.

Muchie warns that these divisions are deepened by the legacy of colonial rule. “British, Italian and French control left mental and structural barriers that were never dismantled. Until that mindset changes, unity will remain symbolic, not real.”

He pointed to the youth as key agents of change. With over 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, Muchie says Somali youth must be equipped with education that promotes unity, innovation, and social responsibility. “They should be the change-makers, not drawn into cycles of violence and despair,” he said.

He also drew comparisons with recent unity efforts in West Africa, where Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have pledged to work under one flag. “If they can reimagine sovereignty in a way that centres development and collective strength, so can Somalia,” he said.

Somalia’s challenges are not limited to internal politics. Its instability spills over into neighbouring countries. Kenya, which hosts hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees, has had to manage security threats linked to armed groups. Muchie acknowledges Kenya’s efforts but warns that “Africa should not be producing refugees from within. We must stop being strangers to each other.”

He says the road forward must include not only political reform but also emotional and moral healing. “Celebrations should not just be about flags and parades. They must signal a renewed commitment to peace, justice and shared identity,” he said.

Muchie called for a broader regional effort to address instability in the Horn of Africa, including renewed leadership from the African Union. “The cost of inaction is too high. Independence must be more than a memory, it must become a reality for all Somalis.”

--ChannelAfrica--