The Advocate Post Exclusive by Abdul Rafay Afzal

In an unprecedented show of pan-African solidarity, Hon. David Nyang,  State Minister for Cabinet Affairs of Upper Nile State, South Sudan, has delivered a stirring Independence Day message to the people of Somaliland, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the unrecognized nation through The Advocate Post.

A Message That Resonates Across Africa
Dated Nyanginchar, 18 May, 2025, Minister Nyang’s letter celebrates Somaliland’s:

– 34 years of resilient self-governance
– Grassroots democratic institutions
– Peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms
– Unmatched stability in the Horn of Africa

“Your journey rooted in resilience, unity, and an unwavering commitment to peace is a testament to the power of a people who refuse to be defined by adversity,” Nyang wrote, directly challenging the international community’s silence on Somaliland’s statehood.

Key Diplomatic Breakthroughs in the Letter
First-Ever Support for Recognition by a sitting South Sudanese official
Explicit Call for Sovereignty: “Your rightful place in the global family of nations is long overdue”
African-to-African Solidarity: Draws parallels between South Sudan’s liberation and Somaliland’s quest

Why This Matters Now

The letter arrives as Somaliland:
– Expands  Berbera Port with $1 billion investments
– Signs new oil exploration deals with major firms
– Welcomes record 20+ international delegations** for Independence Day

The Advocate Post’s Exclusive Role

This diplomatic overture follows The Advocate Post’s groundbreaking interview with Minister Nyang for April-May 2025 Issue in which Editor-in-Chief Abdul Rafay Afzal first broached Somaliland’s recognition question.

“Our publication persistent coverage has turned Somaliland’s story from a regional issue to a continental imperative,” said Afzal. “Minister Nyang’s letter proves truth has power.”

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How Students and Communities Marked the Day Under the Theme “Together We Can Achieve” and Its Unique Aspects Compared to Previous Years

Students across Somaliland’s educational institutions play central role in the May 18, 2025, celebrations

Tomorrow, Sunday the18th May, is a pivotal date in Somaliland, commemorating its re-assertion in 1991 of the country’s independence hence dissolving the ill-fated union with the former Somalia Republic regime.

This day embodies national pride, unity, and the collective aspirations of Somalilanders. The 2025 celebration, themed “Together We Can Achieve,” underscores the power of unity in driving progress. This report details how students in schools and communities across Somaliland’s regions, such as Hargeisa, Burao, Borama, and Berbera, Erigavo, Ainabo and all districts prepared for and celebrated May 18, 2025; and highlights how this year’s event differs from previous years, drawing on cultural traditions, historical context, and with, profound inferences which had been going on for the past three weeks.

Preparations and Celebrations by Students in Schools

Students across Somaliland’s educational institutions played a central role in the May 18, 2025, celebrations, aligning their activities with the theme of unity and collective achievement.

Key efforts included:

• Educational Initiatives
  • Thematic Competitions: Students participated in essay, poetry, and art contests focused on “Together We Can Achieve.” For example, in Hargeisa, students created posters with messages like “Unity Is Our Strength,” displayed in school halls.
  • Debates and Seminars: Schools hosted debates on topics like “The Role of Unity in Somaliland’s Future,” encouraging collaboration. The University of Hargeisa and other institutions held seminars with SNM veterans and community leaders to inspire students.
• Cultural and Artistic Activities
  • Unity-Themed Performances: Students rehearsed traditional dances like Daanto and Jaandeer, choreographed to reflect teamwork. School choirs performed songs celebrating collective achievements, shared at assemblies and public events.
  • Theater and Drama: Drama clubs staged plays reenacting moments of unity, such as the SNM’s struggle or post-1991 reconciliation, performed in schools and community venues.
  • Art Exhibitions: Students created murals and artwork featuring Somaliland’s flag and symbols of unity, showcased in schools and public spaces like Burao’s community centers.
• Community Engagement
  • Collaborative Projects: Students participated in group initiatives, such as cleaning public spaces and planting trees, reflecting the theme’s call for collective action. In Borama, schools organized clean-up drives to prepare for parades.
  • Fundraising for Events: Student councils worked together to raise funds for decorations and school-based celebrations, fostering teamwork across diverse student groups.
• 

Preparations and Celebrations by Communities in the Regions

Communities across Somaliland, particularly in urban centers and rural areas, embraced the theme “Together We Can Achieve” through vibrant celebrations and collective efforts. Key activities included:

• Community-Wide Events
  • Parades and Rallies: Cities like Hargeisa, Burao, Berbera, Borama, Erigavo hosted large-scale parades, with streets adorned in Somaliland’s green, white, and red colors. Hargeisa’s Freedom Square was a hub for rallies, featuring speeches by political leaders, elders, and youth on the importance of unity.
  • Cultural Festivals: Communities organized festivals with traditional food stalls, handicraft displays, and performances. In Berbera, celebrations highlighted the port’s role in uniting economic efforts, with maritime-themed events.
  • Religious Observances: Mosques held special prayers and sermons focusing on unity and gratitude, aligning with the theme. Community leaders promoted inter-clan collaboration during these gatherings.
• Business and Media Contributions
  • Business Engagement: Local businesses decorated shops with thematic banners and offered promotions to encourage participation. Markets in Erigavo and Borama saw increased activity as vendors prepared festive goods.
  • Media Campaigns: Somaliland National TV and Radio Hargeisa aired programs on unity, including documentaries and interviews with community leaders. Social media campaigns on platforms like X used hashtags like #TogetherWeCanAchieve to spread the message globally.
• Diaspora Involvement
  • The Somaliland diaspora in cities like London, Minneapolis, and Dubai organized events to support the theme, raising funds for community projects such as schools and clinics. Virtual events and social media campaigns connected diaspora communities with local celebrations, amplifying the theme’s global reach.

Distinctions of the 2025 Celebration Compared to Previous Years

The 2025 May 18 celebration, guided by the theme “Together We Can Achieve,” stands out from previous years due to its focus on unity, technological advancements, and contemporary priorities. Key distinctions include:

• Focus on Unity
  • The 2025 theme explicitly emphasizes collective action, with events like inter-school unity festivals and clan reconciliation forums taking center stage. This contrasts with previous years, which focused more on historical commemoration or independence alone.
• Enhanced Digital Engagement
  • Social Media Presence: The use of platforms like X for campaigns (e.g., #TogetherWeCanAchieve) marks a significant increase in digital engagement compared to past years. Youth-led content, such as videos and virtual tours of sites like the Hargeisa War Memorial, broadened participation.
  • Live-Streaming: Improved internet infrastructure enabled live-streamed events, allowing diaspora communities to join in real-time, unlike the primarily local broadcasts of previous years.
• Youth and Educational Emphasis
  • The Somaliland Ministry of Education introduced a “May 18 Education Week” in 2025, with schools dedicating a week to unity-themed activities like collaborative projects and history quizzes, a more structured approach than in past years.
  • Universities launched unity-focused scholarships during the celebrations, targeting students in governance and community development, a new initiative compared to earlier years.
• Economic and Political Optimism
  • Economic Progress: The 2025 celebrations highlighted achievements like investments in Berbera Port, with speeches emphasizing collective economic goals, unlike the historical focus of previous years.
  • Diplomatic Advances: Ongoing discussions about international recognition, particularly with Ethiopia and the UAE, added a forward-looking tone, making the 2025 event more globally oriented than past celebrations.

Conclusion

The May 18, 2025, celebration in Somaliland, under the theme “Together We Can Achieve,” showcased the vibrant efforts of students and communities to promote unity and national pride. Schools engaged students through educational programs, cultural performances, and collaborative projects, while communities organized parades, festivals, and media campaigns. The 2025 celebration distinguished itself through its emphasis on unity, enhanced digital engagement, youth involvement, and alignment with economic, environmental, and inclusive priorities, setting it apart from the more traditional events of previous years. Despite challenges like resource limitations and political sensitivities, the celebration reflected Somaliland’s commitment to collective progress, resonating with the theme’s vision of unity and achievement.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

A crucial meeting was held at the Somaliland National Police headquarters, focusing on the national security and the country’s stability. The meeting was attended by the Commander of the Police Force, leaders of branch commands, and the National Committee responsible for organizing the 18th May celebrations.

Discussions centred on matters related to maintaining of security and peaceful stability during the national celebrations.

It specifically emphasized on strategies for collaboration to ensure security during the commemoration of Somaliland’s National Day on 18th May, underscoring the importance of stability and order as the cornerstone of the event.

Officials speaking at the meeting highlighted the critical role of security forces in safeguarding national security and enabling the public to participate in the celebrations peacefully. They reiterated the necessity of collective efforts to ensure the occasion is marked safely and successfully.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa-Mr. Shiine Culay, the prominent Somali content creator, journalist, and influence with a multifaceted online presence and involvement in sociopolitical discourse arrived in Hargeisa , Somaliland Capital on Friday for 18 May celebrations.

The prominent Somali digital creator and commentator whose work spans entertainment, brand collaborations, and sociopolitical Advocate upon his arrival in the country was received by cabinet ministers , government officials, politicians ,local musicians, members of the public and his diehard fans.

Speaking to members of the media fraternity said , ” I would like to use this opportunity to all of you present here today for the honorable and noble welcome you have extended to me, which cannot be fully expressed in words. Long live the Republic of Somaliland! May its progress flourish, and may its people unite from Ceelaayo.to Lawyacado.

Mr. Shiine Cuay further said , “Hargeisa is my capital city and I am overjoyed to visit my motherland, the Republic of Somaliland. May it endure, may its enemies be defeated, and may my nation thrive.Hold the Republic of Somaliland in his hands he added , ” I will not forsake your honor. I will strive to reclaim the borders you rightfully deserve.

He is known for Political Engagement and also commentary on Somali politics, advocating against tribalism and promoting unity. For instance, he urged his community in Badhan District (Somaliland) to reject clan divisions and embrace Somaliland’s identity, sparking debates about his shifting political stances.

His public statements often blend cultural pride with calls for social cohesion, though his political alignments (e.g., shifts between supporting Puntland and Somaliland) have drawn mixed reactions.

Forum discussions highlight critiques of his political adaptability, with some accusing him of opportunism. Others commend his anti-tribalism messages, such as urging unity in Somaliland.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CHFt9QMgW/

By M.A. Egge

The state is to form a taskforce to address the decentralization processes of policies, administrative and fiscal matters such that governance may be bolstered and fledged throughout the country..

The decision was taken at the 20th session of this week’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening following discussions on the matter for two consecutive sessions.

It was chaired as usual by the President himself, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro while flanked by the Vice President His Excellency Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi.

The session also largely devoted the session to the preparations of the commemoration and celebration of May 18, the D-day that the nation declared to re-assert its sovereignty.

The celebrations are being observed both intensively and extensively, within the country and internationally.

The Council of Ministers also underpinned the fact that May 18^th is markedly observed as the people’s exhibition Day of Solidarity and Unity.

The agenda of the 20th session of the Council of Ministers session was generally as follows; –

𝟏) National Security and stability:

The Council of Ministers heard a general report on the country’s security situation from the Minister of Interior and Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab. The Minister told the Council that overall the country’s security was stable, except for daily minor criminal occurrences in society and traffic accidents that cause the most deaths and injuries.

𝟐. Economic situation:

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Aden, gave the Council a general report on the country’s economic conditions and the progress of tax collection in general, especially as concerns GST taxes. The Minister said that the growth of National Income is increasing day by day.

3) Nationalization of local community forces and El Afweyn pacification

The Minister of Defense, Hon. Mohamed Yusuf Ali (who was part of the delegation led by the Vice President to the pacification issues in the eastern parts of the country) gave the Somaliland Council of Ministers a detailed report on the various stages of the complex processes on the matter that they had undergone through on the nationalization of the Civilian Forces, the pacification of El-Afweyn and the modern registration of the entire forces; these issues were indeed of particular importance to the Somaliland.

The Minister said that there were significant challenges that faced the team, since the tasks required determination and courage.

He said that, in addition to Divine help, the President of Somaliland was always there to support them with firm determination and in everything that they did.

𝟒) Measles outbreak:

The Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, gave the Cabinet a general report on the measles outbreak in some regions of the country. He said that as a Ministry, they are putting a lot of efforts into controlling the epidemic. He said that the Ministry is starting to raise public awareness and accelerate the vaccination of children under 5 years of age.

5. UAE trip by IID minister

The Minister of Investment and Industrial Development, H.E. Saeed Mohamoud Buraale, briefed the Cabinet on a working trip that he and his team went to the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai, following an official invitation extended by the DP World International Ports Authority Company. The Minister said that they saw lessons and experiences that can be learned related to how a country can develop.

𝟔) Preparations for 18^th May national celebrations:

The Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, gave the Council a report on the progress of preparations for the celebration of the day of Reestablishment of Nationality and Independence of Somaliland.

The Minister shared with the Council the procedures and protocols planned for this year’s National Day. He particularly noted that this year the Ministry of Education role in the preparations for May 18 is more marked especially by raising awareness among students in schools across the country about the May 18 commemoration.

𝟕) Decentralization processes:

The Council of Ministers of the Somaliland once again discussed the Decentralization System (decentralization) of the Regions and Districts of the country, specifically in:

1) Political Decentralization;

2) Administrative Decentralization; and

3) Fiscal Decentralization.

The discussions of the Council of Ministers all underlined that decentralization empowers decision-making at the local level, while strengthening accountability and monitoring the provision of appropriate social services.

In conclusion, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, the discussion of the Council of Ministers in the 19th and 20th sessions, directed the Council that the issue of decentralization should be referred to a Committee consisting of the Council of Ministers and experts knowledgeable in this subject, based on the guidelines of the National Constitution.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the Republic of Somaliland,  Abdillahi Jama Osman (Geeljire), and a high-level delegation have been on a working visit to the United Kingdom this week, focusing on strengthening environmental collaboration and bilateral ties.

During his official visit to London, Minister Geeljire held a significant meeting with his UK counterpart, Climate Minister Mrs. Kerry McCarthy, at her office in the British Parliament at Westminster. The meeting was also attended by a team of technical experts from various UK government departments involved in international environmental cooperation.

Minister Geeljire briefed Minister McCarthy on the progress Somaliland has made in recent years, particularly under the leadership of the new administration headed by President Muse Bihi Abdi. He highlighted the impacts of climate change on Somaliland’s communities and ecosystems and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address these urgent environmental challenges.

Minister McCarthy welcomed the Somaliland delegation’s proposals, expressing strong interest in supporting joint initiatives. She instructed the attending experts to coordinate a timely and practical response to the requests raised during the meeting.

As part of the diplomatic engagement, Minister Geeljire also handed over a formal letter from the President of Somaliland addressed to UK Prime Minister Mr. Keir Starmer. The letter outlines key areas of mutual interest, emphasizing the long-standing historical relationship between Somaliland and the United Kingdom.

The Environment Minister is expected to continue a series of meetings with UK officials and members of the Somaliland diaspora in the coming days, aiming to strengthen partnerships and raise international support for Somaliland’s environmental and developmental goals.

Time Has Come for Somaliland to be reckoned with, he adds

By M.A. Egge

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakaal, said that the world cannot turn a blind eye anymore to the recognition that Somaliland rightfully deserves, noting that the time has come for Somaliland to be reckoned with and receive the deserved recognition it has been striving for a long time.

Speaking on the matter, the Somaliland Foreign Minister said, “The time has come for the Republic of Somaliland to receive the recognition and the world cannot anymore turn a blind eye to; this year we will intensify our efforts to obtain the deserved recognition.”

Minister Bakaal urged all Somaliland citizens living in countries across the world, the Somaliland diaspora, to participate in the commemoration of May 18 in a spirit of unity and solidarity.

He observed that the people of Somaliland everywhere were very enthusiastic about the National Day of the Commemoration of May 18, and that the government itself is even more ardent than ever to see to it the D-Day is marked more intensive and extensive this time round.

Hon. Bakaal said that it has reached the time for Somaliland to receive international recognition, since it is something that no one can ignore and the eyes of the world have turned to how Somaliland has worked for its interests and unity.

“Today is the time for Somaliland to receive recognition that no one can ignore and the eyes of the world have turned to how Somaliland has worked for its interests, unity, peace, and democracy,” said Minister Abdirahman Adan Dahir Bakaal.