Somaliland Officials Praise Public Unity as Celebrations Coincide with Growing International Recognition Debate.
HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) Large crowds gathered in central Hargeisa on Sunday evening to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s declaration of restored independence on May 18, 1991, with citizens waving Somaliland flags, singing patriotic songs, and attending public ceremonies across the capital.
The celebrations drew residents from different parts of the city to public squares and streets decorated in Somaliland’s national colors, while musicians and artists performed nationalist songs honoring the territory’s struggle for self-determination and statehood.
The anniversary commemorates Somaliland’s decision to restore its sovereignty in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government and years of conflict during the civil war.
This year’s celebrations come amid renewed debate over Somaliland’s international status after reports that Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland on Dec. 26, 2025. The reported recognition has fueled political optimism in Somaliland and intensified discussions surrounding possible diplomatic breakthroughs.
Officials and regional analysts have also pointed to reports that the United Arab Emirates is encouraging additional countries to consider recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.
Somaliland leaders frequently argue that the territory briefly gained internationally recognized independence from the United Kingdom on June 26, 1960, before entering a voluntary union with Somalia days later.
Government officials addressing the crowd in Hargeisa praised the public turnout and described the anniversary as a symbol of resilience, unity, and national identity.
“You came out today to show your enemies that you stand behind your president, who brought recognition,” said Barkhad Jama Batun, Somaliland’s Minister of Information and National Guidance.
“For 35 years, Somaliland’s achievements have been built on peace and a resilient people,” said Khadar Hussein Abdi, the Minister of the Presidency.
“It is a great and joyful day,” said Abdisalan Hussein Awale, Somaliland’s Minister of Communication and Technology.
“May 18 is a day written in the blood and sacrifice of the people of Somaliland,” said Yonis Ahmed Yonis, Somaliland’s Minister of Justice.
“We call on all regions and districts across the country to prepare for the week-long May 18 celebrations,” said Munir Ahmed.
The annual May 18 celebrations remain one of the most significant political and national events in Somaliland, where authorities and citizens continue to push for broader international recognition while emphasizing the territory’s relative stability, democratic governance, and security compared with much of the Horn of Africa.
Pictures:
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
