Mogadishu, – The Banadir Regional Administration has issued a new directive requiring all schools in Mogadishu to prominently display the national flag of the Federal Republic of Somalia on their premises.
The order, announced by the Directorate of Education in Banadir on Monday, follows instructions from Mogadishu’s Mayor and Banadir Governor. Authorities said the move is part of a broader effort to instill patriotism, discipline, and civic values among Somali youth.
The statement instructed school administrations across Mogadishu to immediately raise the Somali national flag using the correct colors. It also called for the introduction of educational programs aimed at strengthening national identity and good conduct among students.
“In implementing the Mayor’s directive, and following recent consultations with education stakeholders, we agreed on the importance of promoting patriotism, ethics, and discipline among Somali children,” the statement read.
The Banadir Education Directorate further announced it will begin regular inspections in the coming days to ensure compliance. “To guarantee implementation, the Directorate will conduct ongoing monitoring to confirm that the Somali flag is raised in every school, while also reviewing the quality of education services being provided,” the statement added.
The move has drawn a largely positive response from sections of the public in Mogadishu:
Abdirahman Aden Mohamed said: “This is truly commendable, and I welcome the effort to raise students with patriotism.”
Ali Omar Ali cautioned: “It’s a good step, but there is confusion about the exact shade of the national flag. Everyone seems to be using their own version.”
Abdullahi Mohamed argued: “This is correct, and it should also extend to banning the flags of federal states and clan-based entities.”
Ahmed Abdirahman praised: “It’s very good. Students must be taught about their flag and their country.”
The Somali capital has recently seen debates over symbols of unity versus clan and regional affiliations. Officials say the latest directive is designed to reinforce national identity in schools at a time when the country is working to strengthen cohesion and counter divisions.
