MOGADISHU (SD) – African Union (AU) has congratulated Somalia on the occasion of the country’s 61st Independence Anniversary, urging Somalis to work closely together in rebuilding a great and prosperous Somalia.

In a statement, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia said Somalia has traversed a long and sometimes very difficult road but it has been the resilience, hope and determination of its people that has kept the national flame alive and will steer the country towards a future of peace and prosperity.

“On behalf of AMISOM, I wish the Somali people and its Government at all levels a happy 61st Independence Anniversary and a bright and prosperous future. It is wonderful to see so many young Somalis passionately celebrating their country’s independence, for it is in them that the country’s future lies. Every country is built by the vibrancy and energy of its young people,” he said. “Somalia has a bright future ahead of it, and we wish to once again reiterate our utmost support in helping the country achieve greatness. Soomaaliya ha noolaato, Long live Somalia.”

Madeira also joined the government and the people of the Republic of Burundi as they celebrate their country’s 59th independence anniversary.

He particularly saluted the Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF) for the selfless sacrifice for the advancement of African Union-led efforts for peace and security in Somalia.

“Burundi’s role in providing African solutions to the problems that Africa faces is well documented and celebrated. Today, at AMISOM, we join Burundi in celebrating its Independence Day, with special homage to the brave men and women of the Burundi National Defence Forces for their selfless sacrifice over the years towards the attainment of a peaceful and stable Somalia,” Madeira said.

Burundi, which attained independence from Belgium on 1 July 1962, was the second country to deploy its troops to Somalia in December 2007 under the African Union’s peace support operation.

 Burundi remains a key AMISOM troop-contributing country alongside Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.