Hargeisa (SD) –  The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Muse Bihi Abdi, attended the 26th Anniversary celebrations of the National Army of the Republic of Somaliland.

Before arriving at the ceremony, the president visited the desk of national army officers and added a key facilities, including officers’ units and a new facility to Birjeex National Hospital.

He then attended the celebration of the 26th anniversary of the founding of the National Army of the Republic of Somaliland at the headquarters of the national army, with the president were the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament.

Ministers of Defense, Interior, Information, Culture and Education, Veterinary and Fisheries Development, Water Development, Governor of the Marodijex, Deputy Mayor of the capital, some former Vice-Presidents, Chiefs and Leaders of Various members of the national army, other members of the cabinet, leaders of national parties, heads of embassies of Djibouti and Ethiopia in Somaliland, officials from Britain and Ethiopia, politicians, and many other dignitaries.

Somaliland National Army Chief of Staff Nuh Ismail Tani, who spoke at the 26th Anniversary ceremony, talked about the various stages of the national army went through since its inception, their achievements and their efforts to be the most powerful troops in the Horn of Africa region.

The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Somaliland, HE Abdiqani Mohamud Aateye (Farid), who spoke at the ceremony, praised the entire army, and their families, and noted that the army is a symbol of nationalism and statehood.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, HE Muse Bihi Abdi, on the occasion of the 26th Anniversary of the National Army, first sent congratulations to the national army, their children and their families, and declared that the Somaliland national army is now a sufficient force for the defense of its nation.

Finally, the president presented a medal to the 31st and 12th Brigade commanders of the Somaliland National Army, Lieutenant Colonel Osman Farah Awale (Dolaal) and Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Hurre Haari, who during their tenure displayed perseverance, excellence and responsibility.

The Somaliland national army, though respected is seen as yet another entity in Somaliland that is not diverse in its ranks, and could greatly benefit from gender and tribal balance.