Babbo, Babbo Calanyahow!

You are a piece of cloth, but you signify a lot…

Every year on June 26 and July 1, Somalia and its people commemorate a sense of nationalism, as the entire nation celebrates the days of independence and the day of unity of the two regions of the north and south. This celebration marks the historic days when the independence and nationhood of the Somali people were declared in 1960, at which time the country gained freedom from British and Italian colonial rule.

Similarly, Flag Day is celebrated today every year. Although there has been division and loss of unity over time, since that independence, these days have become occasions for Somalis to reflect on their governance heritage, sing with joy, honor their freedom, and celebrate.

Of course, we are still not at a point where we can finally celebrate peace and progress, but the existence of an independent, free nation with a federal government, the love of the people, and the desire for national unity are the foundations from which we can move forward and shape the development of our country. Hope is still alive!

Cawaale, this flag speaks to me: O my flag, the emblem of my country, the Somali flag that I love, as I gaze upon your fluttering, I am uplifted and feel great pride and admiration. Sometimes I lose hope; those who represent you disappoint me, the harshness of the circumstances and the suffering of the people bring me down, yet I cannot bring myself to lose hope in you.

Although you are a piece of cloth, you stand for much and show a lot. Today, which marks the day you were created and became a flag for an entire nation—Somali—I want to tell you the truth. If I am emotional, it is only the love I have for you; if I criticize you, it is the hope I have for you; if I praise you, it is your truth.

Oh my flag, you have been a witness to the struggles and victories our nation has gone through. The meaning of your emblem and your blue sky color, with the white star in the middle, is a symbol of great value that unhesitatingly points to the five Somalis—Greater Somalia. You bear witness, always, to the verses that the great poet, Abdullahi Suldaan Timacadde, defined you with, when he said:

“Our flag we have been waiting for

Is now my journey!

Oh, the lightning that has struck!

Today’s dawn has arrived

Oh, the sorrow that has washed us away!

In the middle of the sea

The one who brought forth the white!

The one who resembles the sky

The star that has been given!

The magician of transitions

Oh, the one who is exalted, do not fade!

As he is, let us see him

Take from here and remove from there!”

You have adorned many times while we were shedding blood beneath you, yet you have raised a strong iron, showing the world that a nation remains beneath you. In the difficult times of division, hatred, civil wars, and all the challenges that existed, you were a light of hope for us, reminding us of our unity, our identity, and the resilience of our nation.

Cawaale, I know that you have many enemies. There are forces that deny your existence and your history, forces that want your land and your shores, both near and far. However, you represent the dreams and aspirations of millions of the Somali people, both now and in the future. You carry the weight of our history, our heritage, and our existence. You, with a sky that is not ordinary, having a bright star in the middle, represent the spirit of our nation. You remind us of our values and the existence we share, and you strengthen our resilience and patience. Babbo, Cawaale, babbo!

Cawaale, I know you are told, and the world knows you as a cursed bird, only listening to one side of your story. Just as Africa is reported from one side, describing it as a single country plagued by poverty and diseases, a place of despair and a life-threatening situation, I know that they have also told one story about you, that Somalia is the most dangerous place and the worst place to live.

I know that some of your people, those who remain under oppression, have believed that story. But I am ready to present your stories and that you have more than one story.

I will tell your story from here and everywhere. It’s a promise, Cawaale.

I promise you, my dear, that I will be honest, and I will not undermine your dignity and value, that I will speak of you and boast of you to the world. That is not all, I also promise you that I will be a responsible citizen, a taxpayer who upholds the principles you represent, and a voter who chooses the one who is best for you and your people.

Cawaale, I promise to participate in the progress of the people you represent. The education of your children is my top priority, and your youth and women are my second plan. The pursuit and advocacy for justice and peace is a task I have committed to. Promoting the economy, your financial value, and your governance are also on my mind.

If I see your flag flying high, I will salute you, and I will stand with you. It is a promise.

But, Cawaale, you must promise me that you will not diminish in your efforts. I will serve you diligently, and you must reciprocate in kind. Give me, let me give you!

Today and always, I ask you, Cawaale, to remain a symbol of unity and peace. Your beauty and value, your symbol representing strength and bravery, unity and nationalism, Somali identity and culture, patriotism—let your colors reflect the acceptance and coexistence of the united Somali people, free from conflicts and grievances.

Honorably wave, and extend your hand, and encourage your people to unite, so they can overcome adversity and build a better future.

Wave, wave your flag, wave! Let your colors show the resilience and capability of the Somali people. Therefore, your flag, let the waves cross borders, let the journeys on land and in the sky flourish, and bring about beneficial agreements and understandings among the nations of the world. Let your people recognize their interests and governance, and awaken to the existing national competition.

Babbo, wave greatly, wave and represent me!

WQ: Suad Arif

Writer