By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Somaliland community in Cardiff, Wales, marked the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Somaliland’s independence on May 18, 2025, with a historic flag-raising ceremony at Cardiff Castle. The event underscored the diaspora’s enduring ties to Somaliland and was attended by a distinguished delegation, including Somaliland’s Ambassador to the UK, Abdikarim Abdi Aden (Dayaxweerar), Somaliland’s Minister of Environment & Climate Change, Abdullahi Jama Cismaan Geeljire, and Jane Hutt, the Welsh Government’s Minister for Social Justice. Representatives from the Hargeisa Regional Council, local Welsh officials, women’s groups, and friends of Somaliland across the UK also joined the celebrations.
The occasion highlighted several milestones:
– 37 years since the establishment of the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Somaliland.
-20 years since former Somaliland President Dahir Riyale Kahin engaged with the Welsh Parliament and British monarchy during his tenure as Chairman of Somaliland’s House of Representatives.
-10 years since Cardiff City Council formally recognized Somaliland’s independence.
A key announcement during the event revealed plans to establish a dedicated organization to foster deeper collaboration between Somaliland and Wales. This initiative will include a sister-city agreement between Cardiff and Hargeisa, further solidifying cultural and governmental ties.
The Somaliland community in Cardiff received widespread praise for their annual efforts to commemorate May 18 with pride and visibility. Special recognition was given to Ambassador Abdikarim Abdi Aden and community leader Abdi Ali for their pivotal roles in organizing the event.
This celebration not only honored Somaliland’s journey but also reinforced its growing international partnerships and the vibrant contributions of its diaspora.
