Press Release: The Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Somaliland's Independence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Somaliland UK Mission Office wishes to inform that on Friday 26th June 2020 marks the 60th Anniversary of Somaliland’s declaration of independence from Britain in which HMS Queen Elisabeth II proclaimed and signed on the same day.

On the occasion, the Somaliland UK Mission will place great importance by taking part in many public events that will commemorate this historic day in conjunction with the British Somaliland Diasporas and British friends which will encompass the below listed media coverage and activities:

• Celebration venues e.g. online and social medias, blended with the play of historical film
• Head representative of the Somaliland UK Mission’s address on the SLNTV
• An official letter to the British Prime Minister, Hon. Boris Johnson
• Arrangement of a teleconference panel meeting lead by the Mission with the British Somalilander youths, intellectuals, and the three Somaliland political party representatives in the UK

Historical background

Britain recognised Somaliland as an Independent Sovereign State by the proclamation of HMS Queen Elisabeth II, making it the 12th country in Africa to receive independence. Upon independence, congratulatory telegrams were sent from 35 countries, including the five permanent security council members. However, after six days, Somaliland entered into an ultimately doomed union with former Italian Somalia to form on a deeply compromised legal basis. During the 31-year period, Somaliland’s population suffered systematic discrimination and injustice.

On 18 May 1991, during the Burao conference by elders representing the major clans of Somaliland, Somaliland declared its independence as the Republic of Somaliland revoking its union with the rest of Somalia reclaiming their independence and affirming their right to self-determination.

In conclusion, the Head of the Somaliland UK Mission Office expresses hope that this commemorative year will bring about greater advancements for the Republic of Somaliland that envisions the beginning of further consolidation of Britain’s friendship for the mutual benefit of our people.


Best regards,
Somaliland UK Mission Office