London, UK – May 25, 2025 – Hundreds of members of the Somaliland diaspora gathered in central London’s iconic Trafalgar Square today, Sunday, to celebrate the 34th anniversary of Somaliland’s reclamation of sovereignty, which is traditionally marked on May 18.
The vibrant event showcased a sea of Somaliland flags—green, white, and red with the Shahada and a black star—waving proudly under a partly cloudy sky.
The gathering, organized by the Somaliland Community Association UK, follows a tradition of global celebrations by the diaspora, with similar events reported across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia earlier this month. Today’s rally in London highlighted the community’s cultural pride, unity, and ongoing push for international recognition of Somaliland.
Participants, many draped in Somaliland flags, included families, young people taking selfies, and community leaders, some holding signs reading “Somaliland.” The atmosphere was festive, with attendees expressing their pride in Somaliland’s achievements, such as its stable governance, independent electoral system.
The Somaliland flag, adopted on October 14, 1996, and formalized in the 2001 Constitution, was a central symbol of the event. Its green stripe bears the Shahada in white, symbolizing faith; the white middle stripe with a black star represents peace and aspirations; and the red bottom stripe honors the blood of heroes who fought for independence.
This celebration comes on the heels of global diaspora events reported by The Horn Tribune on May 20, which noted similar rallies worldwide, including a notable gathering in Trafalgar Square earlier in the month. Today’s event also included a march for recognition, with plans to submit a petition to the UK government, echoing previous diaspora advocacy efforts in London, such as the May 21, 2023
The Somali community in the UK has a long history, beginning with merchants and seamen arriving in the 19th century, followed by larger waves during World War II and the Somali Civil War. Today, the UK hosts a significant Somali population, with many having gained citizenship or permanent residency. The diaspora’s contributions to Somaliland’s development—through remittances, advocacy, and cultural preservation—were a key theme of the event.
As the sun set over Trafalgar Square, the crowd dispersed, leaving behind echoes of unity and a renewed call for the world to recognize Somaliland’s 34 years of self-governance. For now, the diaspora remains a vital voice for a nation striving to secure its place on the global stage.
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