Pomp and color in Nairobi as unity calls mark May 18 anniversary
There was pomp, color and dance as hundreds of Republic of Somaliland Community in Kenya gathered at Waterfront Gardens at Ngong Race Course on Saturday to mark the 33rd anniversary of Somaliland’s Independence Day.
Led by Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamoud, the Somaliland Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya, the young and old celebrated the historic May 18 Day when 33 years ago the Somaliland people re-asserted and restored their sovereignty, democracy, and statehood.
Clad in Somaliland nationhood colours, the crowd mostly youth, born in Kenya, the fourth generation of Somaliland community that landed in Kenya during the colonial period danced to the tunes of Somaliland famed youthful musician Ali Zaki.
Some, too young to know the real meaning of the May 18 celebrations were just happy to be part of a mammoth gathering of the Somaliland community drawn from all the 47 counties of Kenya.
“This is a special day for us. I am Kenyan, but my blood is Somaliland,” said an excited Yassin Ahmed.
Local politicians, scholars, representatives from the international community, renowned media personalities and guests from the Somaliland government filed the list of personalities who graced the celebrations.
“On this occasion, I would like to extend my profound gratitude, and appreciation to the Honorable members of the Kenya National Assembly, members of the House of Senate, Your Excellency the Governor of Tana River County, former members of Kenya parliament, Cabinet Secretaries, and other senior Officials of the Kenya Government,” the Somaliland Ambassador to Kenya welcomed the guests in his opening remarks.
“I welcome the Minister of Transport and Road Development of Somaliland, the former minister of Somaliland Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the chairman of the Somaliland Political Association of Kaah, and members of the Somaliland House of Representatives,” he added.
There were also members from the diplomatic community, UN Agencies, International Organizations, Professor. Patrick Lumumba, a renowned African scholar, and advocate for African better statehood, members of the Kenya Inter-Religious Council, members of the Sahan Think-Tank, Rift Valley Institute, academicians, Academy for Peace and Development- APD, university.
In his speech Ambassador Mohamoud hailed the Somaliland-Kenyan community’s dedication to supporting their country and working with the Mission here in Kenya.
He said over the last 33 years, the Republic of Somaliland has maintained peaceful and democratic statehood that has significantly contributed to regional, and international peace and security.
“Africa can learn a lot from Somaliland’s statehood, and its democratic credentials that have evolved through the dedicated efforts of Somaliland’s grassroots society. These efforts resulted in the establishment of a national charter that paved the way for constitutional democracy which legitimized the multiparty political system Somaliland uses today,” he said.
He said Somaliland’s case for recognition continues to be both legally and morally justified adding that the Republic of Somaliland’s recognition as an African Union member state and a member of the wider international community would cement a peaceful, prosperous, and economically integrated Africa.
Dr Mohamoud said the Republic of Somaliland is situated in the most strategic location in Africa, along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden which is currently facing a crisis that has caused food and fuel prices to rise. If this crisis is not properly assessed, he said, it will continue to impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. It is important to note that the Republic of Somaliland can be a part of the solution.
“Somaliland is the right and capable partner to facilitate the safeguarding of international vessels, humanitarian aid, and trade crossing the Red- Sea. Over the last three decades, the Republic of Somaliland has succeeded in preventing pirates in its water and maritime corridors. Indeed, our long-standing commitment to peace and security in the region deserves to be acknowledged and empowered.”
Nairobi Women MP Esther Pasaris encouraged Somaliland to continue pushing for recognition saying Kenya will stand in solidarity with the country.
Pasaris said the relationship between Kenya and Somaliland can yield great achievements for both countries.
Fatma Gedi a commissioner of in revenue allocation said the Kenyan Somaliland community will continue standing with their brothers and sisters in Somaliland as the country continues its push for sovereignty.
Tana River governor Dhado Godana said the unity and patriotism of Somaliland nationals is something to celebrate adding that Somaliland should be given its rightful position on the table of the international community.