On November 20, 2024, the British Embassy in Mogadishu hosted a significant event to mark the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Somalia and the enduring friendship between the UK and Somalia.
Celebration Highlights
The British Embassy in the Halane compound hosted the King’s Birthday Party, welcoming distinguished guests including Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The event was a vibrant celebration of Somali art, culture, and traditions, showcasing the country’s diverse and rich heritage.
Initiative or Solution Overview
The celebration was more than just a birthday commemoration; it was an opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relations between the UK and Somalia.
The event featured various cultural performances, exhibitions, and interactions that underscored the mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations. President Mohamud’s presence underscored the importance of this relationship and the commitment to collaborative efforts in various sectors.
Poetry Recitation
The event also featured a powerful poetry recitation by Zahra Abdihagi, whose piece “Hadi Kale Waxaan Laha” (Had It Not Been for This) celebrated the resilience, culture, and hope of the Somali people.
Zahra’s full poem, which captivated the audience, is presented below:
Hadi Kale Waxaan Laha
I am a legacy of rivers, I flow, I give, I carry on.
I shape, I hold, I trace the soils from the winding basins to the Juba’s to
where wisdom pulses beneath the ground,
where the very grain of life is found with the crops and stories all profound,
where the camels set to graze-Ruunta,
Hadi kale waxaan laha, Ahay.
You see,
I am a nation of poets, the home of civilization, the land of ancient suns where wisdom and clarity are found,
where power is moved through Words-Ruunta,
Hadi kale waxaan laha, Ahay,
I am the Red Sea, I am the shore, I am the Indian Ocean’s floor.
I set the sails, I move the wind.
I carry the breeze and the voices within.
Through the path of the pharaohs where tales are traced Where dynasties traveled to trade-Ruunta,
Hadi kale waxaan laha, Ahay.
I guide and sweep the sandy trails, I roam across the shifting sands,
where the call to prayer echoes grand.
Through the heat and endless plains of the land –
Where Nomads footsteps carve the sand with the whispers of the past-Ruunta,
Hadi kale waxaan laha, Ahay.
And like K’naan would say
Until the lion learns to speak the tales of hunting will be weak.
My poetry hails within the streets my poetry fails to be discreet.
It travels across the earth and seas from Somalia to the West indies.
It knows no boundaries, no cheese, Its studied in parts of Greece-Runtaa
Hadi kale waxaan laha Ahay.
And with that being said I would like to end this with in the laughter of the children,
In the dreams that we share,
In the strength of our ancestors with wisdom beyond compare with each dawn that rises, our future unfolds.
For I am Somalia, a beacon of never-ending hope.
Benefits and Impact
The celebration had a profound impact on reinforcing the ties between the UK and Somalia. It provided a platform for cultural exchange, fostering greater understanding and appreciation between the two nations.
The event also highlighted the UK’s ongoing support for Somalia’s development and stability, reflecting a long-term commitment to the region’s prosperity.
The Future
The British Embassy in Mogadishu is set to continue its efforts in promoting cultural and diplomatic exchanges. Future initiatives will focus on enhancing economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and joint projects aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
The collaboration between the UK and Somali governments will drive progress and contribute to Somalia’s overall growth.
Final Thoughts
The King’s Birthday Celebration at the British Embassy in Mogadishu was a resounding success, celebrating not only the monarch’s birthday but also the strong and enduring friendship between the UK and Somalia.
As both nations look to the future, this event serves as a testament to their shared values and mutual commitment to a brighter, more prosperous future.
Sources: THX News & British Embassy Mogadishu.
