As a historian with a focus on African colonial history, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the status of Somalia as a British colony.

Somalia, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has a complex colonial history that involves multiple European powers, but it was not predominantly a British colony. The modern-day nation of Somalia was formed from a combination of territories that were under the colonial rule of Italy and Britain. The region was divided into two main territories: British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland.

British Somaliland was a protectorate rather than a full colony. It was established in 1884 when the British Empire signed treaties with local Somali sultans. This area, which is now known as the Sool, Sanaag, and Ayr regions in the northwest of Somalia, was administered by the British from Aden, which was then a British colony. The British interest in the region was primarily strategic, focusing on the control of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, which were vital for trade routes to British India.

Italian Somaliland, on the other hand, was a full-fledged colony. Italy began its colonial ambitions in the region in the late 19th century and established its rule over the southern part of Somalia, which was known as Italian Somaliland or Ogaden. This area was more directly governed by Italy and was part of Italy's broader colonial empire in Africa, which also included Eritrea and parts of Ethiopia.

The year 1960 was a significant turning point for both British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland. As you mentioned, both territories achieved independence in 1960—in June for British Somaliland and in July for Italian Somaliland. Following their independence, these two regions decided to merge and form the Somali Republic, commonly known as Somalia. This unification was driven by a shared Somali identity and the desire to create a single, unified Somali state.

It is important to note that the French colony, which you referred to, is Djibouti. Djibouti was a French territory known as French Somaliland or French Afar and Issas. It did not gain independence until 1977, which was much later than Somalia. Djibouti's colonial history and its path to independence were distinct from that of Somalia.

In conclusion, Somalia was not a British colony in the traditional sense. It was a nation formed from territories that were under the colonial rule of both Italy and Britain. The British influence was present through the protectorate of British Somaliland, but it did not encompass the entire region that now constitutes modern Somalia. The country's independence and formation as the Somali Republic in 1960 marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

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In the event the year 1960 brings independence to both the British and Italian colonies, in June and July respectively. They decide to merge as the Somali Republic, more usually known as Somalia. The French colony has to wait until 1977 before becoming independent as Djibouti.read more >>