SYL Day: We were united by a common bond for the good of Somalia, SYL co-founder
By Abdiaziz Gurbiye
In 2002, I had the privilege to sit down with one of the last two survivors of the famous Somali Youth League, SYL founder members Ali Berdura. He was one of the youngest members of the League at the time of its formation in 1943.
We met in the agricultural town of Qoryoley in the Lower Shabelle region as he lived his 80th year. The only other surviving member was Dahir Osman Dagawane, then in Canada.
Both men are now dead but the history of the League which charted the course for Somalia’s independence and inspired millions still linger in the minds of Somalis to date.
May 15, was henceforth a day inscribed in Somalia’s calendar in honour and remembrance of the vibrant youth whose unquestioned loyalty and nationalism Somalia needs today more than before.
SYL founded
Somali Youth League was founded in May 15, 1943 by a group of visionary Somali youngsters. There was something striking and which modern day Somalia could borrow a leaf from, said Berdura. The League was made up of people with diverse backgrounds, shades and character.
The first group composed of Dahir Osman Dagawane, Mohamed Hirsi Nour Sayidin, Osman Geedi Rage and Mohammad Abdullahi Farah were staunch adherents of two opposing religious sects- Awaysia and Qadiriya.
The second batch which was led by Yasin Xaji Osman, Mohammad Ali Nor were educated and had the privilege of western education.
The last layer was made up of youngsters who include Ali Berdura, Dahir Dhagawane and Mohamed Hilowlle. I was a vegetable seller hence the Italian name, verdura for vegetable, quipped Berdura.
But to avoid any suspicion and possible disbandment, the group named itself Somali Youth Club, SYC with the objective of promoting public literacy.
When SYL was formed, Somalia was under the colony of European powers. The British ruled the north while the Italians occupied the south.
Like all spheres of western influence then, Somalis suffered discrimination in all aspects of life.
Change was coming
The heavy toll of colonial torture and suffering broke the camel’s back and in the night of May 15, 1943, a group of nationalists met at a house along Via Romma Street in Hamarweyne, Mogadishu with three issues to address; seek the unification of the greater Somalia, fight tribalism and religious sectarianism and promote public literacy and awareness on social issues.
Not all members were present but I was lucky to be there, said Berdura.
The greater Somalia, (Soomaliweyne) was not just about the north and southern Somalia but the other Somali occupying regions which included some parts of northern Kenya, modern day zone five in southern Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Yasin Ali Osman chaired the meeting at the night.
During the meeting, Abdulkadir Shakhawudin was named chairman, Haji Mohamed Hussein, deputy chair and Yasin Haji Osman became the secretary general.
The other members of the group were Osman Gedi Rage, Dere Haji Dere, Dahir Haji Osman, Ali Hassanm Maslah Mohamed Ali Nor, Mohamed Farah Hilowle, Haji Mohamed Abdullahi (Hayisi), Hodow Mali Abdulle and Mohamed Osman Barre.
Osman’s death wish
Shortly in 1947, Yasin Haji Osman, then secretary general fell sick and in his death bed asked the group to name someone else to succeed him. Abdullahi Isse Mohamud took over the reins. Mohamud was then based in Hiiraan together with the first president of independent Somalia, Aden Abdulle Osman.
Immediately after its formation, SYC, which retained its name until 1947 opened offices and branches across all the Somali territories and its ideas and ideals were received with enthusiasm all over Somalia, said Berdura.
In 1947, Berdura said, time had come to unveil the group’s real identity. “We changed our name from Somali Youth Club to Somali Youth League and now took up the active role of championing for the country’s independence,” said Berdura.
The following events took place in quick succession leading to the country’s independence:
Ha-noolaato (long life) demonstration
January, 11th, 1948: A peaceful pro-independence demonstration turned fatal. Hawa Tako, one of the prominent SYL female activists, who later became a symbol of Somalia’s independence, was killed. . Another 14 Somalis and 52 colonial police officers were killed.
The incident happened when a delegation of the UN was visiting Mogadishu and SYL was to present the country’s grievance and need for independence.
Dagahtur incident
October, 5, 1949: Another confrontation between SYL and colonial police took place in Dagahtur square. This time between British police and SYL supporters; in that confrontation 2 people were killed and 50 wounded including four British Police.The demonstration was dubbed dagahtur (stone throwing).
These two main incidents and others caught the attention of UN.
November 21, 1949: The UN declared Italian Somaliland a Trust Territory under Italian administration starting April 1, 1950. It also announced Egypt, the Philippines and Colombia would help the Italians in preparation for Somalia’s independence.
As part of transition recommendation, SYL hoisted Somali flag in public places in October 12, 1954. The flag was designed by a member of SYL called Mohammad Awale Liban.
When Somalia attained independence in 1960 Somali Youth League party won general elections and formed government. Aden Abdulle Osman became the nation’s first president.
1969 coup and a dream dashed
The 1969 military coup turned tables in the infant state and SYL was viewed by the military regime as a threat.
Shortly after the second president Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke was killed in October 15, 1969, Berdura said, then Revolutionary Council leader Mohamed Siad Barre summoned senior government leaders including the Prime Minister, Mohamed Ali Haji.
Barre’s demand was that he was going to launch a bloodless coup but the SYL team who were now in government refused and all were detained including members of Parliament.
Our end was nigh, said Berdura. The dreams and ideals of 13 young men determined not only to fight for the country’s independence but also see a united and prosperous Somalia were dashed and a military regime was in town.
The rest, as they say is history.