Press Release Somaliland Society UK 18 May

The 15th Anniversary of the independence of Somaliland

Remembering the great martyrs who have lost their lives in the struggle for the independence of Somaliland in this national celebration and Remembrance Day is the first think that we all should remind our selves of. May Allah bless the souls of these great people and grant them a place in the Jana.

In the 15 years since, 18 May 1991, Somaliland has achieved a lot. We have now political parties, elected president, elected local councils and parliament and soon we will Insha Allaah have elected house of elders. Peace and stability is our greatest asset and one which every Somaliland needs to be proud of. With peace comes responsibility though, and we urge every somalilander to contribute to the sustenance of this peace at all times. We exhort the Somaliland Government in particular to be an example to the nation in preserving peace and addressing all factors that can be counter productive to it and to cultivate good leadership at every level in Government.

Today is a day of celebration and joy; it is a day that should be engraved in our memories forever. So do something special today to celebrate your national identity. If you are in the England, talk to an English person you know about Somaliland, if you are in USA, India, China, Norway, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia do the same, where ever you are raise the profile of Somaliland at every opportunity you get. If you are fortunate enough to be in the motherland it self, do your best to realise your potential and engage in civic activities in furtherance of the common interest of the nation.

The hurdles that we need to cross before Somaliland is recognised by the international community is one too many, but we should not despair because our great strength as a nation is self perseverance and patience. It is time we add to these virtues qualities modern techniques of networking and lobbying at International level in a more coordinated manner, starting with our neighbours in Africa. Recognition is not granted by an International Court but it is realised through the effective lobbying of States and through what we achieve as a nation. Therefore, let us believe that we can achieve and recognise and reward the good work that each one of us is doing on behalf of Somaliland.

There is so much we can do for Somaliland and Somalilanders in the Diaspora are contributing to the development of the country in many ways. We should all continue this good work and be united.

May I take this opportunity to thank every Somalilander who invests his time and money towards the development of Somaliland. Somaliland Society UK wishes every Somalilander in the world a happy and pleasant celebration of this special occasion. We hope that Somaliland is recognised by this time next year. (Insha Allaah)

Mohamed Omer Maigag (Taag)

Chair – Somaliland Society UK