MOGADISHU (Reuters) - For the first time in a decade, thousands of Somalis joined celebrations in Mogadishu on Sunday to mark the anniversary of their country's independence.
The ceremony, the first of its kind to be held in the capital since Somalia dissolved into chaos after the overthrow of President Mohamed Siad Barre in January 1991, was staged by the country's new provisional government. (Read photo caption below)
Observers noted, however, that the celebrations had limited significance as the provisional government has still to establish a presence in large areas of the country.
Sunday's ceremony marked the 1960 inauguration of the Republic of Somalia, combining the former Italian trust territory of Somalia and the British Protectorate of Somaliland.
Ceremonies began at midnight on Saturday when the Somali flag was raised in the city's stadium before an audience of several thousand.
Speaking in the stadium, Prime Minister Ali Khalif Galaid said his government was determined to restore stability to Somalia.
A major security operation would be launched in the capital by the newly-formed police force, he said.
The crowd applauded as several thousand policemen, soldiers and schoolchildren marched past.
No incidents were reported, but nearly 50 makeshift battlewagons manned by armed soldiers surrounded the stadium as a precaution against any attempt to disrupt the ceremony.
The provisional government was elected last year at a conference of Somali clan representatives, held in the neighboring Djibouti republic.
It has not been recognized by many of the factions who control different areas of Somalia, and there have recently been clashes in Mogadishu between its forces and those of local warlords.
The northern part of the country -- the former British Protectorate -- has declared itself independent as the Republic of Somaliland and rejects any reunification with Mogadishu. The government claims Somaliland as part of its territory.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Members of the Somali government stand at attention during celebrations for the 41st anniversary of Somalia's independence from Italy and Britain Sunday, July 1, 2001 in Mogadishu. Somalia President Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, left with red tie, Prime Minister Ali Khalif Gallaydh, second left. Among the other officials are the High Court Chairman Sheikh Adan, short man at forth left, and former Faction leader Mohamed Qanyareh Afrah, obscured at extreme right. This was the largest public gathering in the capital fora decade, three days after a fierce gunfight rocked the capital. Ohers in photo are unidentified. (AP Photo/Osman Hassan)