By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
HARGEISA (Dawan) — Major cities across Somaliland are celebrating the 35th anniversary of May 18, the day Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991.
Every year, Somaliland commemorates the occasion with public gatherings, cultural events and official ceremonies. But many observers say this year’s anniversary is unfolding under a significantly different political and diplomatic atmosphere.
The 2026 celebrations come amid intense discussion surrounding Somaliland’s reported relationship with Israel following months of speculation about recognition and diplomatic appointments between the two sides.
Many supporters of Somaliland’s cause believe this year carries greater optimism than previous anniversaries, particularly regarding international recognition.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” suggested during this year’s celebrations that Somaliland was marking the anniversary under circumstances unlike before.
“It is a special joy for us that today is the first May 18 celebration we are commemorating as a recognized Republic of Somaliland,” Cirro said during public remarks marking the anniversary.
The statement quickly drew attention across Somali political circles because Somaliland still lacks broad international recognition and Somalia continues to consider Somaliland part of its sovereign territory.
Reports have also circulated in recent months claiming Somaliland appointed its first ambassador to Israel earlier this year, identified as Mohamed Haji.
Other reports suggested Israel was also preparing to establish diplomatic representation linked to Somaliland.
Israeli media outlets reported Saturday that Somaliland’s first envoy to a foreign country was expected to present diplomatic credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
During the May 18 celebrations, President Irro also argued that Somaliland’s recognition would not negatively affect Somalis elsewhere, but instead would represent an additional Somali state.
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“To Somalis who have been misinformed, I repeat once again that Somaliland is another country added to the Somali people,” Irro said.
In December 2025, Israel announced that it had recognized Somaliland, a move that triggered mixed reactions and renewed debate over its potential impact on the Horn of Africa region.
Those developments have made this year’s May 18 anniversary politically distinct from previous celebrations, with Somaliland supporters increasingly expressing hope that international recognition efforts may be entering a new phase.
How Did May 18 Begin?
On May 18, 1991, Somaliland declared that it was withdrawing from the union with Somalia following a weeks-long conference held in the city of Burao.
The gathering brought together political leaders and traditional elders from the northern regions, who announced the restoration of Somaliland’s former independence.
Among the key decisions made during the conference were:
the restoration of Somaliland’s independence, and the election of Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur as Somaliland’s first president at the time.
Since then, Somaliland has continued building its governing institutions while pursuing international recognition.
Thirty-five years later, the May 18 anniversary is taking place amid renewed diplomatic debate, growing political expectations and fresh questions about Somaliland’s future direction.