Somali Youth League (SYL)

The Somali Youth League (SYL) was a cornerstone in the history of Somalia’s independence movement. Founded on May 15, 1943, the SYL played a crucial role in uniting the Somali people and advocating for national liberation from colonial rule. The emergence of the league marked the rise of organized nationalism, laying the groundwork for Somalia’s eventual independence.

Somali Youth Club (SYC)

During the Second World War, Italian Somaliland was occupied by British forces and remained under British military administration from 1941 to 1950. In this political context, the first modern Somali political organization, the Somali Youth Club (SYC), was established in Mogadishu in 1943. This group later evolved into the Somali Youth League.

Early Years and Growth

The SYL was initially a small group consisting of 13 founding members, including prominent figures such as Yasin Haji Osman Sharmarke, Abdullahi Issa Mohamud, and Haji Mohamed Hussein. The league’s membership primarily comprised young, educated individuals committed to the ideals of Somali unity, independence, and cultural preservation. Their mission was to challenge the arbitrary colonial borders that divided Somali-inhabited regions across five territories controlled by Britain, Italy, France, and Ethiopia.

Objectives and Ideology

The Somali Youth League aspired to achieve the following key goals:

• Independence from Colonial Rule: The SYL sought to end Italian trusteeship, British protectorate rule, and foreign control over Somali territories.
• Pan-Somalism: The movement championed the unification of all Somali-inhabited lands into a single sovereign state, symbolized by the five-pointed white star on the Somali flag.
• Cultural Revival: The league aimed to preserve Somali language, identity, and cultural heritage while promoting unity among different clans against foreign rule.

Expansion and Influence

The SYL rapidly gained popularity across Somalia, attracting members from various regions and clans. Political leaders actively traveled throughout the country, engaging with communities to spread nationalist ideals. By 1947, the league had evolved into a formidable political force advocating for independence on both local and international platforms. Its grassroots mobilization efforts particularly resonated with Somali youth, who became a driving force behind the movement.

Role in Somalia’s Independence

The SYL played an instrumental role in negotiations with the United Nations and other international entities. In the 1950s, Somalia was placed under Italian trusteeship, with a mandate to prepare the nation for self-governance. The SYL tirelessly campaigned for full independence, ultimately leading to the unification of Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland on July 1, 1960, to form the independent Republic of Somalia. Several SYL leaders, including Abdullahi Issa Mohamud, assumed key positions in the new government.

Leadership and Key Figures

Founding Members of the SYL:

1. Yasin Haji Osman Sharmarke

2. Abdullahi Issa Mohamud

3. Haji Mohamed Hussein

4. Dhere Haji Dheere

5. Mohamed Ali Nur

6. Ali Hasan Maslah

7. Mohamed Farah Hilowle

8. Mohamud Hilowle Haji Abdirahman

9. Mohamed Hassan Shire

10. Abdikarim Mohamud Guleed

11. Ali Garad Jama

12. Ahmed Keyse Haji Yusuf

13. Mohamed Awale Liban

Notable SYL Members in Leadership Roles:

Presidents of Somalia:

• Aden Abdullah Osman Daar (1960-1967)

• Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke (1967-1969)

• Mukhtar Mohamed Hussein (1969, interim)

Prime Ministers of Somalia:

• Abdullahi Issa Mohamud (1956-1969)

• Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke (1960-1964)

• Abdirizak Haji Hussein (1964-1967)

• Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal (1967-1969)

• Aden Isaaq Ahmed (1969)

• Umar Arteh Ghalib (1991-1993)

Presidents of the Somali National Assembly:

• Abdikadir Mohamed Aden (1960)

• Haji Bashir Ismail Yusuf (1960)

• Jama Abdullahi Qalib (1960-1964)

• Ahmed Mohamed Obsiye (1964-1967)

• Mukhtar Mohamed Hussein (1967-1969)

Other Notable Figures:

• Ali Shido Abdi: Vice-Chairman of the SYL

• Lewis Clement Salool: Designer of the SYL flag in 1942

• Ali Herzi Farah: Speaker and Central Committee Member

Challenges and Legacy

Despite facing resistance from colonial authorities and internal clan divisions, the SYL remained steadfast in its pursuit of Somali independence. Its legacy endures as a symbol of Somali resilience, nationalism, and unity. Somalia commemorates Youth Day every year on May 15th in honor of the league’s contributions.