Somaliland celebrates 21th anniversary as an independent state +PICTURES +VIDEOS

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Berbera Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Tonight a party at Madaxtooyada all the Somaliland heavyweight politicians are present.

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Sanaag ceerigaabo

 

" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Laascaanood sool

 

" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Burco Togdheer

 

" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Magaalada Caynaba Saraar region

 

" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Somaliland: 21 years of Independence and Self Driven Development

 

May 18th, 2012

 

HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Thousands of people attended commemorations of the 21st independence celebrations nationwide.

 

Commemorations which took place in all major cities of the country saw regional governors read the president’s speech simultaneously with the president in Hargeisa.

 

During the main commemorations which took place at the Beerta Xoriyadaa (Freedom Garden), the President H.E. Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo who officiated, congratulated Somalilanders from all walks of life for sustained peace and multi-sectored developments that they have achieved with 21 years of self-rule while unrecognized internationally.

 

The thousands of Celebrants representing all sectors and ages, included members of the cabinet, parliamentarians (Guurti & House of Representatives), civil servants, Armed forces, international community and ordinary Somalilanders.

 

In his address to the nation President Silanyo said that 18th May is a very important day in the nation as it signifies the day Somalilanders made their irrevocable decision to withdraw from the unfortunate union with Somalia thus reclaim their sovereignty.

 

“On the 18th of May 1991 all Somalilanders united with hands clasped together to declare their sovereignty as a nation” Said the president

 

The president stressed on the fact that this was the day that we Somalilanders unilaterally made a decision to stand on our own two feet in freedom rather than unity with the south and bondage. The decision culminated in the new life we have now.

 

To the international community H. E. President Silanyo said that they can no longer continue being blind and deaf to the aspirations of Somalilanders who have for 21 years established a functional, peaceful and democratic country in one of the most volatile regions in the world.

 

“The republic of Somaliland is as a result of the wishes of the people, after massive loss of lives and property, thus the fulfillment of our aspirations”

 

The president who prayed for the solace of those who lost their lives during the prolonged struggle against the Siyad Barre led dictatorship prevailed upon the international community to rethink its stand on recognizing the country as an independent entity. He informed that this was a decision of the people and thus sacrosanct.

 

President Silanyo further informed that the country’s democratization process has reached its peak with his government being the fourth to assume power peacefully in a period of 21 years. He stressed on the fact that Somaliland is not only ripe but overdue for recognition as it has fulfilled all major requirements, Said he, “The international community is witness to the fulfillment of requirements for recognition as an independent nation”

 

The president said it is important it be realized that Somalilanders will never tire of soliciting nor waiting for recognition because their decision is sacrosanct thus non-negotiable and irrevocable.

 

London Conference

 

On the London conference president informed that over 45 governments attended where a historic decision was approved pertaining to the status of Somaliland thus an agreement on the imperative and urgent need for Somaliland and Somalia to hold face to face talks as two independent entities.

 

“Somaliland has fulfilled its part of preparation for the talks and it is now upon the Somalia government to reciprocate and we pray that they are successful in order to implement the desires of the international community”

 

Somalia

 

President Silanyo informed that Somalilanders are saddened by continued conflict in Somalia which has affected citizens for a very long time. He urged the government and politicians to be mindful of the suffering of their people thus facilitate fast return to peace and stability.

 

“I urge the Somalia leadership to pursue peace and stability for their people even at the cost of their personal political ambitions”

 

Diaspora

 

President Silanyo commended Somalilanders in the diaspora for their relentless efforts in nation building without whom, the country would not have seen the major development strides it has achieved in all sectors, “I extend not only the nations but my personal congratulations to you Somalilanders wherever you are in the Diaspora”

 

DEMOCRACY

 

The president informed that the country takes pride in its democratization which is made possible through cohesion and nationalism. The president stressed on the fact that his administration has fulfilled many of its campaign promises among them the registration of new political groups to participate in imminent local council elections.

 

“In every competition there is always a victor and loser with the victors sharing their glory with the losers”

 

In a clear reference to the political groups that failed verification thus disqualified from contesting forthcoming local council elections, President Silanyo revisited the 2003 presidential which he lost by the lowly margin of 80 votes and accepted the decision for the sake of the nation’s tranquility.

 

“I urge the groups that failed verification and those that will lose council elections to accept defeat and join the victors in nation building”

 

He prevailed upon the groups to be patient as patience is not cowardice or ********* but a virtue of political maturity, “If you still have grievances pertaining to your disqualification I ask you to utilize legal channels and present your case to the courts of law for arbitration”

 

SECURITY & PEACE

 

President Silanyo who commented the security forces for diligence in maintain prevalent peace and security that citizens continue to enjoy, also lauded traditional leaders for their role in peace building that has successfully complimented that of the government.

 

“Security and peaceful co-existence is the cornerstone of our nationhood and government, it is therefore imperative that we continue our efforts not only to sustain prevalent status quos but strengthen them as well”

 

In conclusion the president H.E Ahmed Mahmoud Silanyo prayed for the Succor of those who died during a recent land based confrontation between security forces and civilians.

 

Similar celebrations that saw Somalilanders adorned in the nations flag were held in all parts of the country

[BN]

Berbera photos are best; celebrating on the sea.

 

Lakiin, sawirkaan ayaa iga yaabey:

 

 

Should the President not be in the centre or at least have his own seat? It looks looks like he is being sidelined, literally. LOL. Miskiinka, he always looks uncomfortable in photos....

 

Now the man on the right looks to be in charge...not sure who is he.

[aero]

Sorry when I see these colors I can't help but think of Mexico.

 

Plus what's with Somalis having the star face down? I've seen even the US make the mistake and Kuwait as well, especially with the recent visit where they were displaying our glorious flag UPSIDE DOWN . Irks the hell out of me!

 

FYI upside down flag = signal of dire distress