Somali Youth League (SYL)

The Somali Youth League (SYL) was a significant political formation in Somali history, founded on May 15, 1943, which became active in the independence struggle of Somalia and the unification of the Somali people. The emergence of this league came to the front of organized nationalism in Somalia, the background to the liberation of Somalia from colonial rule.

                        

History

Somali Youth Club

During the Second World War, Italian Somaliland was occupied by Britain and administered militarily from 1941 to 1950. In Somalia under British rule. The first modern Somali political party, the Somali Youth Club (SYC), was started in 1943 in Mogadishu. 

 Formation and Early Years

The SYL, originally the Somali Youth Club (SYC), was formed in Mogadishu, during the time of Italian colonial administration under a British military protectorate following World War II. The club was an original small set of 13 founding members, one of the stars of ultra-nationalist, such as Yasin Haji Osman Sharmarke, Abdullahi Issa Mohamud, and Haji Mohamed Hussein.

Most of the members were young and educated, yet each possessed deep concern for Somali unity, independence, and proud cultural status. They reiterated with united voice to bring together all the Somalis across the colonial borders, which were arbitrarily demarcated by European powers, dividing all Somali-inhabited territories into five along lines controlled by Britain, Italy, France, and Ethiopia. 

Ideals and Objectives

The State of Somali Youth League aspired to the following objectives:

•  Independence From Colonial Rule: The league was striving to free itself from Italian trusteeship and British protectorate, and from French and Ethiopian control over the Somali territories.
•  Pan-Somalism: The great movement for the unification of all territories inhabited by Somalis into a sovereign state. The aspiration is represented by the five-pointed white star on the Somalia flag.
•  Cultural Revival: The SYL secured Somali culture, language, and identity while emphasizing the goal of uniting all divided clans to fight against the same enemy. 

Growth and Popularity

Support for this league emanated throughout Somalia in the wake of its establishment, and members from various clans and regions joined it. Although the political leaders traveled the country tirelessly, they spoke at many community forums to spread their league's message of nationalism and unity. In 1947, the SYL became political, having developed into a force with widespread influence.

This ability to peacefully advocate, coupled with mobilization from the grassroots level, inspired many others, in particular the youth. The SYL became a voice for the people and, through an uphill fight for their rights, drew the attention of both local and international platforms.

Role in Somali Independence

The SYL played a pivotal role in completing negotiations with the UN and other international powers. In the 1950s, in the backdrop of the United Nations Trusteeship, Somalia came under Italian administration with a mandate to prepare the country for independence. The SYL was working tirelessly to make this realization happen.

Through its political activities and lobbying, the league managed to lead Somalia with independence. The long awaited day arrived on July 1, 1960, when Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland merged to give birth to the independent nation of Somalia. Several leaders of the SYL, Chief among them Abdullahi Issa Mohamud, took key posts in this new government. 

Political leaders:

Founders and leaders

The following is a list of the SYL'S 13 original

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 members

the following is a list of other notable public officials from the SYL's ranks:

Presidents

1.  Aden Abdullah Osman Da'ar: July 1, 1960 - June 10, 1967;
2.  Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke: July 6 1967 -     0ctober 15, 1969;
3.  Mukhtar Mohamed Hussein: October 15. 1969 - October 21, 1969;

Prime Ministers

•         Abdullahi Issa mohamud: February 29, 1956 - June 10, 1969
•            Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke: July 1, 1960 - June 10, 1964
•           Abdirizak Haji Hussein: June: 14, 1964 - July 15, 1967
•           Mohammad Haji Ibrahim Egal: July 15, 1967 - October 21, 1969
•           Aden Isaaq Ahmed: October 21, 1969 to siad coup
•        Umar Arteh Ghalib: January 24, 1991 - May 1993

Presidents of the Somali National Assembly

•           Abdikadir Mohamed Aden (Zoobe): July 1, 1960 - mid - July 1960
•           Haji Bashir Ismail Yusuf: Mid-July 1960 - Mid-July 1960
•          Jama Abdullahi Qalib: mid-July 1960 - May 26, 1964
•          Ahmed Mohamed Obsiye: May 26, 1964 - 1967
•        Mukhtar Mohamed Hussein: 1967 - October 15, 1969

Ministers

•     Abdullahi Mohammed Ahmed: Minister of National and  coordination
•    Sheikh Abdikani Sheikh Ahmed: Minister of Justice and Religion Affairs
•     Haji Farah Ali Omer: Minister of Economic Affairs  
•     Hirsi Bulhan Farah: Minister of livestock
•    Mohamed Said Samatar: Minister of state
•     Sheikh Ali Jimale: Minister of Health, Lanour and Veterinary
•      Michael Mariano: Minister of Economic planning 

Parliamentarians

 Osman Haji Mohamed: MP FOR El Dheer 

Other

•     Ali Shido Abdi: Vice-Chairman of the SYL 
•     Lewis Clement Salool: Lewis designed the SYL flag in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1942 
•      Ali Herzi Farah; Honourable speaker & central committee member.

Challenges and Legacy

The SYL faced multiple hurdles such as fierce opposition from colonial authorities and internal divisions among Somali clans, but its leaders were remarkably resolute in their mission. While the emphasis was laid on unity and nationalism, it creates an enduring legacy, influencing the course of Somali politics and society.

The SYL today symbolizes the Spirit of Somali resilience, determination, and unity. On May 15th every year, Somalia commemorates Youth Day as a tribute to the contributions of the league towards independence and the emancipation of Somali youth.

conclusion  

Somali Youth League was not only a political movement; it became a viable expression of the longing of the Somali people for freedom, unity, and self-determination. It continues to live on and inspire the succeeding generations of Somalis to join together in the process of enhancing national unity and promoting the development of Somalia for the good of all as they hold on to the dream of a united and prosperous Somalia.