Somaliland community in Kenya marked the nation’s 32nd anniversary since ending their union with Somalia with pomp and colour.

The event organized by the Somaliland Representative Office in Kenya staged at the Ngong’ Racecource in Nairobi was attended by over 2500 guests including diplomats, politicians from Kenya and Somaliland, scholars among others was filled with entertainment and dance while speakers talked of the important role Somaliland plays in the peace and tranquility in the Horn of Africa region.

Somaliland Ambassadour to Kenya Dr Mohamed Ahmed Mohamoud extended profound gratitude, and appreciation to the dignitaries, members of the diplomatic community, international organizations, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, all friends of Somaliland, professors, academicians, scholars, intellectuals, universities students, and all 47 counties who attended this historic event.

“I Pray for those who passed away during the bitter struggle against the dictatorship regime for the restoration of Somaliland’s sovereignty and the democratic aspirations of our people,” he said.

He said Somaliland case to regain its sovereignty continues to be both legally and morally justified. And I truly believe that we will witness and celebrate Somaliland achieving international recognition in the near future the same way we are celebrating tonight on 18 May.

“Somaliland has long deserved seats in global forums like the African Union and the United Nations. This is simply because the world has much to learn from Somaliland. As our country celebrates its 32nd year of anniversary and democratic existence, Somaliland’s membership in these intergovernmental organizations should not be further delayed, deceived, or distorted,” said Dr Mohamoud.

“Somaliland continues to and pay more efforts to deepen peace and social harmony, and always the Republic of Somaliland is committed to peace and stability, and it has a mechanism and experiences to resolve any social and political grievances. As a fellow East African nation, the Republic of Somaliland has a long relationship with the Republic of Kenya in high regard. The two countries share a long history that has been further enriched by people-to-people relations, and common history of colonial legacy,” he added.

The Somaliland representative to Kenya said his country is committed to maintaining and advancing its brotherly relationship with Kenya, by promoting free trade, people-to-people movements, and security cooperation. Launching a long waiting the Kenya Airways direct flights to Hargeysa will further promote, and facilitate trade, and investment, and in deepening this historical relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the Republic of Kenya.

Somaliland representative to East Africa Community Ambasadour Abdillahi Abdi underscored the importance of of the celebrations.

“The yearly celebrations of 18th of May has become ingenious and broadly held World-wide celebrations. It is a highly valued and particularly important Day of National Pride for all peace-loving Somaliland citizens around the world, young and old, at home and abroad,” said Dr Abdi.

He said that the 18th of May is the day of salvation when Somaliland restored  the once lost freedom and independence of our great nation. A sense of nationhood and togetherness, solidarity and unity, national pride, patriotism and citizenship feelings among Somaliland citizens (at home and abroad), are the extraordinary features that associate with the celebrations of this memorable day of 18th May of every year.

“The 18th of May is also an exceptional day to commemorate and honour all those martyrs who lost their lives not only for defending the existence, dignity and name of their own people but also for the realization of the roots and foundation of our most cherished asset that we have today; the Republic of Somaliland.”

He said Somaliland and Kenya share a common history having both been under British colonial rule. But even beyond that, we share more in terms of culture thanks to the interaction of the people from the two countries for over 80 years.

“Somaliland nationals settled in Kenya decades ago and have been engaged in the economic and political growth of this country.

“I take personal pride on the contribution Kenyans of Somaliland origin have made in the development of this country and despite enjoying Kenyan citizenship, they have never forgotten their roots as evidenced with the turnout in today’s event.”

“But even as we savour our patriotism, we must never forget that the future of the great nation of Somaliland lies in our hands. As Somalilanders in diaspora, we are the ambassadors of Somaliland and we must continue playing a role in pushing for the recognition of the country,” he said.

He said It is a big day for Somalilanders and their friends. 32 years of stability, 32 years of respecting democratic values, taking care of our business, progressing in every aspect, and building schools, hospitals, infrastructure, ports and roads, security and rule of law, and the very basic services from the ashes.

Jama Musse Jama, an advisor to President Muse Bihi on international affairs said the day is a big day for Somalilanders and their friends. “32 years of stability, 32 years of respecting democratic values, taking care of our business, progressing in every aspect, and building schools, hospitals, infrastructure, ports and roads, security and rule of law, and the very basic services from the ashes.”

“The Republic of Somaliland decided unilaterally to move forward and to take care of its business with or without the world supporting, and we will continue. We are grateful to many peace loving, democratic nations who are supporting Somaliland, be it education, infrastructure, and development. We know who are the friends and we reciprocate the deeds,” said.

• Other speakers included Suldaan Maxamed Suldaan Axmed Suldaan Cabdiraxmaan Suldaan Diiriye

• Hon. Mohamed Hassan Sead, member of Somaliland House Representative Foreign Committee  

• Hon Abdikarim Meeaad -Member of Natural Resources Committee of Somaliland House of Representatives

• Hon. Mustafe Ahmed – Khariye Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Somaliland House of Representatives.
• Hon. Safiya Abdi Nour former chair of Somaliland- Kenya parliamentary caucus
• Hon Anab Gure: Assistant Minister of Education
• Hon. Fatuma Egge member of Kenya National Assembly, Migori County
• Hon. Mumina Gollo Bonaya, Isiolo,women Rep.
• Hon. Hussein Weitan member of the National Assembly, Mandera East  
• Hon. Hussein Dara Mohamed, Tana River County
• Hon. Rahma Dida Jaldesa, Chief Administration Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage
• Hon. Nasra Sahal Ibrahim
• Hon. Fatumo Ibrahim
• Hon. Okisegere Ojepat – Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya
• Dr. Jama Muse Jama, Somaliland President Advisor of International Relation
• Hussein Aar