HARGEISA (SD) – Today, Hargeisa and all regions of Somaliland celebrated the 34th anniversary of May 18, the day Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of Somalia.

Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi participated in the grand celebrations commemorating the 34th anniversary of independence. The ceremony held at the central square of the capital, Hargeisa, was attended by:

The 5th President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Abdullahi (Irro), the Speakers of both houses of Parliament, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Members of Parliament, Cabinet ministers, Leaders of the three national political parties, Diplomats and representatives from Somaliland’s allied countries, and Various government delegations.

President Irro inspected units from different branches of Somaliland’s armed forces, who performed military parades and drills at the ceremony. Various segments of civil society and government institutions also participated.

Different security forces of Somaliland including Police, Intelligence, Fire Brigade and Military displayed modern weapons and equipment during the parade, which attracted large crowds from the capital and was watched by international audiences.

The celebrations mark 34 years since Somaliland declared its separation from Somalia on May 18, 1991, following the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu. While not internationally recognized, Somaliland maintains its own government, currency, passport and security forces.