On Friday, Workneh Gebeyehu, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) executive Secretary, extended official greetings to the people and Government of Djibouti on the 49th anniversary of its independence from France.

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The regional bloc executive Secretary highlighted the African country’s leadership as a founding member and host of the organization.

“On this Independence Day, I salute the people and Government of Djibouti, a founding member of IGAD, our gracious host, and a staunch advocate for peace and diplomacy in the region,” Gebeyehu stated via his social media account. “Their resilience and leadership continue to shape a stronger and more united IGAD region,” he added.

Anti-colonial struggle

Djibouti was under French colonial rule from 1888. In 1946, the territory became an overseas territory within the French Union, with its own legislature and representation in the French Parliament, under the name of French Somaliland. Later, it was renamed the French Territory of the Afars and Issas until 1967.

The text reads, “This historic video of the May 1977 referendum takes us back 49 years. On that day, an entire people rose up to vote “Yes” for the independence of #Djibouti. #Alhamdoulillah, thanks to the sacrifices of our elders, our country is today free, sovereign, and respected. May Allah grant His mercy to all those who contributed to this noble cause and reward our parents for their sacrifices. May Allah unite us and preserve our dear nation”

The path to sovereignty included three referendums. In 1958, as Somali independence approached, a referendum was held to decide whether the territory would remain with France or join the Somali nation. The result favored remaining under French rule. A second referendum in 1967 yielded similar results.

However, on May 8, 1977, in a third referendum, 98.8 percent of voters chose independence from France. It was on June 27 of that year that Djibouti became the last of France’s African colonies to gain its sovereignty. Hassan Gouled Aptidon, who played a prominent role in the “yes” campaign in the 1958 referendum, became the country’s first president.

National Celebration

With a military parade and other national celebrations attended by top officials, Djibouti commemorated the 46th anniversary of its independence. The country has maintained a prominent position in the Horn of Africa region, serving as the headquarters for important international organizations.

Gebeyehu also took the opportunity to congratulate Djibouti on its rotating presidency of the IGAD. “On the occasion of Independence Day, I extend my best wishes for peace and prosperity to the government and people of the Republic of Djibouti. My sincere congratulations again to Djibouti on the IGAD presidency,” the executive secretary wrote.

The IGAD is a regional bloc comprised of eight countries in the Horn of Africa and East Africa, created to promote cooperation on regional development, peace, and security. Djibouti, due to its geostrategic position on the Red Sea, has been central to the bloc’s diplomatic initiatives

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