Sheffield-In a historic milestone, Safiya Saeed, a Somaliland-born British citizen, has been elected as the 128th Lord Mayor of Sheffield, becoming the first Black Muslim woman wearing a hijab to hold this prestigious position. The inauguration took place at Sheffield City Council’s Annual General Meeting at Sheffield Town Hall, attended by proud family members from Somaliland and members of the local community.

Councillor Safiya Saeed, a member of the Labour Party and a single mother of five, has been a dedicated member of the Sheffield City Council since 2021 and previously served as Deputy Lord Mayor and Chair of the North East Local Area Committee. “I am incredibly proud to step into the role of Lord Mayor, making history as the first Black woman wearing a hijab to hold this position in Sheffield,” Saeed said. “This city has truly become my home, a place where I have always felt I belong.”

Saeed, who is also the founder of Reach Up Youth, an initiative empowering young people, aims to transform Sheffield into a thriving hub for investors, entrepreneurs, charities, and residents to build partnerships and amplify the city’s diverse voices. Her election has been celebrated widely, particularly by the Somaliland diaspora, one of the oldest and most active diaspora communities in the UK, known for its significant contributions to both Sheffield and Somaliland.

The Somaliland community in Sheffield has long been a driving force in advocating for the recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Notably, Sheffield City Council was the first UK local council to recognize Somaliland’s independence on April 2, 2014, a move that inspired other councils, including Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Tower Hamlets in London, to follow suit between 2014 and 2019. These efforts highlight the diaspora’s commitment to their homeland’s sovereignty, which Somaliland declared in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government.

The Diaspora Agency of Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation extended heartfelt congratulations to Saeed, noting that her achievement marks a significant moment for the Somaliland diaspora and their contributions to global civic leadership.

Saeed’s election comes at a time when Somaliland continues to seek international recognition as a sovereign state, having maintained relative stability and democratic governance for over three decades despite lacking formal acknowledgment from foreign governments. Her role as Lord Mayor is expected to further spotlight the Somaliland diaspora’s influence and the ongoing push for recognition.

As Sheffield’s new Lord Mayor, Safiya Saeed stands as a symbol of inclusivity, resilience, and community leadership, inspiring not only the people of Sheffield but also the global Somaliland diaspora.

The Somaliland diaspora marked the 34th anniversary of Somaliland’s reclamation of it’s independence on May 18, 1991, with vibrant celebrations across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia. These events showcased cultural pride, unity, and the ongoing push for international recognition, highlighting the diaspora’s significant contributions to Somaliland’s development and global advocacy.

Some of the Global Celebrations and Contributions

• Canada (Edmonton): KULAN, a non-profit, hosted a cultural festival in a local park with over 200 attendees, featuring traditional dances, flag displays, and a children’s art competition envisioning a recognized Somaliland. Canada’s Shadow Minister for Public Safety, Shadow Minister for Public Safety & Emergency Services Hon David Shepherd, was honored for supporting Black communities, reinforcing diaspora ties with local leaders.

• United Kingdom (London): The Somaliland Community Association UK organized a rally in Trafalgar Square, with hundreds marching for recognition, followed by a petition submission to the UK government. A cultural evening included Somali poetry, music, and a documentary screening, emphasizing advocacy and heritage.
• Australia (Melbourne): The “Somaliland Unity Cup” soccer tournament and family picnic brought the community together, with traditional dishes and storytelling sessions for youth. A video message from Somaliland’s Foreign Minister thanked the diaspora for their advocacy.
• Sweden (Stockholm): An academic symposium, “Somaliland at 34: Achievements and Aspirations,” discussed Somaliland’s democratic progress and diaspora advocacy, followed by a cultural showcase with dhaanto dances and Somali tea, educating attendees about Somaliland’s stability.
• United States (Minneapolis): A hybrid event featured a virtual celebration with speeches and poetry, paired with an in-person fundraising gala raising funds for educational projects. Attendees in traditional attire danced to Somali music, emphasizing development support.
• Ethiopia (Addis Ababa): A diplomatic forum, “Somaliland-Ethiopia Partnership: A Path to Recognition,” focused on economic ties via Berbera Port, followed by a cultural exchange with music and cuisine, strengthening Somaliland-Ethiopia bonds.
• Yemen (Sana’a): Despite regional challenges, a modest gathering featured prayers, poetry, and a donation drive for Somaliland students, reflecting resilience and solidarity across the Gulf of Aden.
• Germany (Berlin): An art exhibition, “Visions of Somaliland,” showcased works on independence and heritage, drawing diverse crowds. A youth session encouraged social media advocacy, paired with traditional music performances.
• South Africa (Johannesburg): A business forum highlighted Somaliland’s economic potential, focusing on trade and Berbera Port, followed by a networking event with live music and cultural displays, fostering African diaspora connections.

Diaspora Contributions

• Economic Impact: 1.3bn remittances since last four years according to the central bank and this estimate is also mentioned in the NDP III among others fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Fundraising during 2025 events supported schools and clinics, while diaspora investments bolstered Hargeisa’s tech sector, enabling live-streamed celebrations.
• Cultural Preservation: Events featured traditional dances, poetry, and cuisine, reinforcing identity for diaspora youth. The UK’s Somali GCSE campaign ensures linguistic continuity.
• Political Advocacy: Rallies, petitions, and social media campaigns amplified calls for recognition, targeting governments like the US (via the Somaliland Partnership Act) and the African Union. Diaspora professionals advise Somaliland’s government on policy.
• Community Building: Events fostered unity and integration, with initiatives like Cardiff’s flag-raising and Helsinki’s cultural showcase strengthening ties with host nations.

The 2025 Independence Day celebrations underscored the Somaliland diaspora’s role as a global voice for their homeland. Through cultural festivals, diplomatic forums, and fundraising, they showcased Somaliland’s stability, democratic achievements, and economic potential while advocating for recognition. Despite challenges like non-recognition and brain drain, their economic contributions, cultural preservation, and political advocacy—amplified by events in 2025—demonstrate a resilient commitment to Somaliland’s future. The Somaliland Diaspora Agency praised these efforts, noting their critical role in raising global awareness.

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.”

Reported by:
The Advocate Post:

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/