34th Anniversary of the National 18th May Celebrations 2025:
M.A.Egge
Somaliland’s foreign policy is built on peace, mutual respect and partnership, says President Abdirahman Irro in his address to the nation
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has made it clear to the International Community (IC) and the world at large that the country that is the nation of Somaliland is a sovereign entity that is here to stay.
The Head of State made the convictional statement reminding the world of Somaliland’s rightful and justified aspirations to re-assert her independence during a concise and powerful address to the nation during the 34th anniversary of the 18th May National Celebrations, the D-Day the country declared its regained sovereignty status.
President Abdirahman Irro unequivocally stated, and reminded the world, that the nation of Somaliland controlled its affairs and charted its future without any proxies whatsoever.
He said that Somaliland’s foreign policy is built on peace, mutual respect and partnership.
He noted that the D-Day was a most important day for the people and nation of Somaliland since it denotes the blood lost in the re-assertion of its sovereignty.
He called on the people to be in solidarity and remain united in a harmonious cohesion such that the nation may be stronger and progress.
He noted that the defense of the nation an obligation incumbent upon all Somalilanders, just as it is for the state.
He reminded the audience of the initial Independence Day that was gained from the colonial British Empire that vanished through the ill-fated union with Italian Somalia, in the hope for Greater Somalia, which failed miserably.
This fact, he observed, has made Somaliland learn the lesson that Somali states ought to chart their own individual futures.
He said that the spate of ills subjected to Somalilanders that made them ultimately take up arms and struggle to re-assert their esteem lastly bore fruits that is denoted by the 18th May Declaration.
34 years later, built from smothered ruins, Somaliland stands as a country with all the trappings of nationhood, said the President. He underscored the fact that the entire world can no longer turn a blind eye to the aspirations of the people of the nation of Somaliland given the efforts put forth hence are more ardent than ever.
He said it was high time that the de-facto country of Somaliland be recognized as a de jure nation.
The President revealed that he wrote to the heads of states of most countries in the world, strongly appealing to them on the issue, in messages that reached them all on Saturday.
He underpinned the fact that Somaliland is what it is today, owing to the unity and solidarity of the populaces.
President Abdirahman Irro praised and lauded the nations of Ethiopia, Kenya, UAE, Taiwan, US, UK and Djibouti for being bilaterally cooperating with Somaliland.
He said that more and more investors trust the country.
He pointed out that Somaliland was ready and open to cooperating with any entity for mutual benefits as far as investiture is concerned.
He affirmed that Somaliland’s foreign policy is founded on the principles of peace, mutual respect, and constructive partnership. He stated Somaliland is prepared to build strong and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly in a region of increasing geopolitical and strategic importance.
He said any international agreements were only entered by the nation, and that no proxy deals whatsoever, may ever bind.
He hailed the diaspora communities for injecting funds into the national economy and being able ambassadors abroad carrying the national flag high.
He appealed to the youth to shun tribalism and clannish tendencies for its destructive and retrogressive nature. He said that since they were the leaders of tomorrow, they ought to be responsible.
He described the women fraternity as the candle that lit the nation’s hope and said that they were a main foundation of the nation.
He pledged that his administration will see to it that the women fraternities are integrated more into nation building in a more engaging manner.
The 34th anniversary event which was elaborately held at the main square in the center of the capital Hargeisa and was attended by the 5th President of Somaliland, HE Musa Bihi Abdi, the Speakers of both houses of the parliament, the Chief Justice, MPs, members of the cabinet, leaders of the three national parties.
It was also graced by diplomats and representatives from Somaliland’s friendly countries, and various delegations invited by the government to the event.
The President received salutes from units of the country’s various armed forces who performed a parade, as well as various sectors of civil society and government institutions.
Also, the various arms of the security with their modern amours and hardware displayed their art.