A Nation Reborn and Recognized: Somaliland Celebrates Historic 35th Independence Anniversary

HARGEISA (May 18, 2026) Across the Republic of Somaliland, cities and towns erupted in historic, widespread celebrations today to mark the 35th anniversary of the reclamation of sovereignty on May 18, 1991. This year’s commemoration was fundamentally different from all previous years, marking the very first time Somaliland has celebrated its nationhood as a formally recognized state on the international stage.

For more than ten days leading up to the main event, major cities and districts across the country have been bustling with ceremonies, artistic exhibitions, and public rallies honoring this momentous day. The capital city, Hargeisa, hosted the grandest ceremony at the main national square, where units from the Somaliland Armed Forces presented a guard of honor to the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, alongside senior government officials, national councils, and various distinguished guests.

Military Showcases and Distinct Public Celebrations

The ceremonial protocol for this year saw a significant shift. In previous years, the main square would witness a combined parade featuring the military, students, civil servants, businesses, and private corporations. This year, however, the grand morning parade was exclusively reserved for the Armed Forces and security branches, who displayed their military prowess and readiness.

Instead of a single massive march, other sectors of society, including students, civil society organizations, and businesses held their own dedicated celebrations and unique exhibitions over the preceding ten days. This approach lent a new, highly organized, and aesthetically pleasing structure to the commemorations. Similarly, major cities like Berbera, Burao, Borama, and Erigavo hosted their own large-scale events, blending military parades with public festivities that powerfully displayed the nation's patriotic spirit.

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The Historic Address of President Cirro

Addressing both the citizens of Somaliland and the international community from the grand square, President Cirro delivered a speech infused with a sense of triumph, political maturity, and profound diplomatic messages. He first emphasized the monumental weight of this year's anniversary, stating:

"It brings us extraordinary joy that today is the very first time we celebrate May 18th as the recognized Republic of Somaliland. I commend all the citizens of the Republic of Somaliland whose unwavering resilience has carried us to the recognition we hold today."

The President illuminated that the path to independence was not rooted in hatred among Somalis, but rather grounded in historical realities. "The decision to reclaim the sovereignty of Somaliland was not born of animosity or emotion; rather, it was a decision built upon the bitter lessons learned from the failed union between Somaliland and Somalia," he clarified.

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Lessons for the African Union and a Message to Mogadishu

Speaking directly to the continent and neighboring nations, President Cirro urged the African Union (AU) to heed the lessons of the collapsed union between Somaliland and Somalia. He called upon member states to avoid forcibly binding nations that cannot function as a single state.

"I call upon the member states of the African Union to learn from the disastrous consequences of stitching together and coercing countries and governments that cannot coexist," he said.

He noted that many nations globally that failed at forced unification have today become independently prosperous. "Many countries that, like us, could not thrive in a union are today individually prosperous and economically powerful," he added.

The President also sent a message of peace and cooperation to Somalia and those who still advocate for unity, stating clearly that Somaliland's independence does not contradict Somali identity.

"To those Somali people who have been severely misinformed, I reiterate that the Republic of Somaliland is simply another nation for the Somali ethnic family," President Cirro stated.

He indicated that if the Federal Government of Somalia accepts the reality of Somaliland's independence, the two sides could forge economic, commercial, and security partnerships that would serve as a pillar of stability for the region.

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Economy, Security, and the Future Trajectory

Outlining his administration’s agenda for the coming years, the President focused on building a formidable state.

"In the year 2026, the Government of Unity and Action will prioritize maximizing recognition, economic growth, investment, and the modernization of our various national armed forces to enhance our defense capabilities and secure our borders," he pledged.

He noted that Somaliland's focus has now shifted toward becoming a regional economic connector. "The Republic of Somaliland has transitioned into an era of development and state-building, and is actively preparing to become an economic hub that links Africa to the Red Sea and global markets."

In conclusion, President Cirro called upon the Somaliland diaspora to carry the country's new message to the world, taking pride in the nation's elevated diplomatic standing. "The Republic of Somaliland has met every single requirement of a responsible, peaceful state where the rule of law and democracy prevail, and whose borders are known. The question we ask the world today is no longer 'Will you recognize us?' but rather, 'When will you recognize Somaliland?'" he concluded, to the overwhelming applause of the citizens.