As Somaliland gears up to celebrate its 65th anniversary of independence from Britain on June 26, 2025 tonight, the nation is riding a wave of optimism, fueled by growing international momentum for recognition and its enduring stability. The Sapphire Jubilee marks a historic milestone since June 26, 1960, with Somaliland showcasing its resilience, democratic progress, and strategic importance on the global stage.
- A Historic Milestone Infused with Pride
Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the “Honouring Our Past, Reclaiming Our Future” campaign, featuring vivid imagery from the 1960 independence signing. Hargeisa’s streets are alive with green, white, and red flags, and community events aim to spotlight Somaliland’s unique journey. The Ministry hosted a symposium on June 25, 2025, at Ali Jirde Hotel to reflect on this milestone and strategize for recognition, welcoming diplomats and thinkers to share ideas. On X, locals are buzzing, describing the celebrations as a “rebirth of our nation’s story,” with #SomalilandRising trending globally.
- UK and US Lawmakers Champion Recognition
Momentum for Somaliland’s international recognition is surging. In the UK, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Somaliland is set to release a “Roadmap to Recognition” report on June 26, 2025, coinciding with the jubilee. Former MP Alun Michael, who led a 2007 delegation to Somaliland, has urged Britain to be ready to recognize the nation, citing its democratic success and historical contributions, including Somalilanders’ roles in World War II.
In the US, Congressman Scott Perry introduced the “Republic of Somaliland Independence Act” on June 12, 2025, aiming to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state. Congressman Tom Tiffany emphasized, “It is a simple fact that Somaliland is a sovereign and self-governing nation separate from Somalia, and U.S. policy should reflect that.” Senate support is also growing, with Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, praising Somaliland’s “unique democratic character.” A high-level US delegation, led by Ambassador Richard Riley and AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley, visited Hargeisa from June 18-20, 2025, to discuss security and defense cooperation, including the strategic port of Berbera. Insiders suggest President Trump’s administration, influenced by Project 2025’s call for Somaliland as a strategic ally, may be nearing a historic recognition decision.
- Economic Resilience and Strategic Importance
Despite its unrecognized status, Somaliland boasts a stable democracy and a growing economy. The port of Berbera, a critical trade hub on the Gulf of Aden, has seen a significant increase in trade volume over the past five years, driven by infrastructure investments from partners like Ethiopia and the UAE. Local entrepreneurs are leveraging social media to promote Somaliland-made goods, amplifying the #SomalilandRising hashtag. Somaliland’s offer of Red Sea access, counterterrorism support, and democratic stability positions it as a vital ally in a geopolitically competitive region.
- Cultural Unity and Regional Stability
Somaliland’s commitment to democratic governance, underscored by nine elections since 1991 and a peaceful power transition in 2010, has earned praise from African Union observers. Community leaders are organizing cultural events to celebrate the jubilee, highlighting Somaliland’s rich heritage and peaceful coexistence. These values, coupled with regional alliances, reinforce Somaliland’s role as a beacon of stability in the Horn of Africa.
A Pivotal Moment for Somaliland
As Somaliland marks its 65th Sapphire Jubilee, the nation stands at a crossroads. With the UK’s APPG and US lawmakers, including Congress and Senate members, pushing for recognition, and President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signaling optimism after talks with US leaders, the dream of international legitimacy feels closer than ever. Somaliland’s story of resilience, democracy, and hope continues to captivate the world, making 2025 a year of promise for this unrecognized nation.
The Time Is Now: With bipartisan support in the US and UK parliamentary efforts aligning, Somaliland’s quest for recognition is gaining unprecedented traction, heralding a potential turning point for its future on the global stage.