HARGEISA (SD) – Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, Irro, joined thousands of citizens in celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s declaration of independence from Somalia.

The large-scale ceremony took place in the central square of Hargeisa and was attended by senior Somaliland officials, including the vice president, parliamentary leaders, members of the judiciary, former presidents and vice presidents, ministers, diplomats, foreign guests, religious leaders, women’s groups, and other dignitaries.

During the event, various branches of Somaliland’s armed forces conducted military parades, ceremonial drills, and tactical demonstrations. The celebrations also featured displays of military vehicles and weaponry as crowds gathered across the city to mark the occasion.

In his address, President Irro congratulated Somaliland citizens and described the anniversary as historically significant, stating that it was the first time Somaliland celebrated the occasion with international recognition.

The Somaliland president also stated that Somalia and Somaliland should be viewed as two neighbouring countries and emphasized the importance of regional peace and economic cooperation.

“I tell the Somali people that we are another country that has emerged for the Somali nation. I believe that recognizing Somaliland as an independent nation will contribute greatly to economic development and stability in neighbouring Somalia,” President Irro said.

He further urged the international community to avoid attempts to merge political systems and governments that he described as incompatible, while encouraging support for Somaliland’s recognition efforts.

Somaliland reclaimed its independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Although Somaliland has maintained its own government, currency, security institutions, and electoral system for decades, it remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia by most countries and international organizations.

The anniversary celebrations in Hargeisa demonstrate Somaliland’s continued effort to strengthen its identity as a separate political entity and reinforce its long-standing campaign for international recognition.

President Irro’s remarks suggest a more assertive diplomatic message aimed both at Somalia and the wider international community. By describing Somaliland and Somalia as “two neighbouring countries,” the Somaliland leadership is further normalizing the idea of Somaliland’s independence in regional and international discourse.

The strong military displays during the celebrations also served as a political message emphasizing Somaliland’s stability, security capabilities, and institutional control compared to broader instability in parts of Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

The Federal Government of Somalia continues to reject Somaliland’s independence claims and insists on preserving Somalia’s territorial unity.

The anniversary comes at a time of increasing diplomatic activity involving Somaliland, including growing international engagement and discussions about its strategic role in the Horn of Africa. Even so, formal international recognition remains one of the region’s most complex political questions.