HARGEISA – Somaliland marked the 66th anniversary of June 26, 1960, with national celebrations led by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The commemorative event brought together senior government officials, leaders of political parties, traditional elders, members of the diplomatic community, and other guests to celebrate the anniversary of Somaliland’s independence from British colonial rule.
According to the Somaliland Presidency, the ceremony featured cultural performances, comedy, and presentations highlighting Somaliland’s liberation struggle and its interpretation of the legacy of the 1960 union with Somalia.
Addressing the gathering, President Irro congratulated the people of Somaliland on the historic anniversary and called for continued unity, peace, and national solidarity.
The president also briefed attendees on his recent official visit to Israel, describing it as an important diplomatic milestone. He stated that Israel had informed Somaliland of its decision to recognize Somaliland, while noting that Denmark had praised Somaliland’s democratic progress and achievements but indicated it was not in a position to extend recognition at this time.
President Irro reaffirmed Somaliland’s position that it is a free and independent nation whose people have determined their own political future and national destiny.
At midnight, the president attended a flag-raising ceremony at the National Flagpole, where he received a military salute from units of the Somaliland Armed Forces as the June 26 celebrations concluded in a patriotic atmosphere.
The June 26 celebrations served as both a national commemoration and a platform for Somaliland to highlight recent diplomatic developments. President Irro’s remarks on international engagement, particularly following his visit to Israel, underscored Somaliland’s continued focus on expanding foreign relations and pursuing wider international recognition while reinforcing its long-standing claim to statehood.
