HARGEISA (Kaab TV) — Somaliland on Sunday marked the 35th anniversary of its self-declared independence of May 18, 1991, with large-scale celebrations held across its regions after more than 10 days of events and festivities in major cities and districts.

The capital, Hargeisa, hosted the main ceremony, where various branches of the Somaliland security forces presented a guard of honor to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro and other senior officials attending the event.

In a speech delivered during the ceremony, the president said many Somalis had misunderstood Somaliland’s cause, describing Somaliland as “another Somali nation that joined the region.”

He also expressed hope that Somaliland would eventually gain international recognition, adding that Somaliland extends a hand of friendship and cooperation to neighboring countries, Arab nations and the wider international community.

This year’s commemoration differed from previous celebrations, particularly in the way the events were organized. Unlike in past years, members of the public, businesspeople and private companies — who traditionally took part in convoys and parades in front of the president — did not participate in the main parade held on Sunday morning.

Instead, different sections of society concluded their separate celebrations over the past 10 days, while the military and security forces alone led the main parade and military display at the central ceremony venue, attended by government officials and members of the public.

Major celebrations were also held in other Somaliland cities, including Berbera, Burao, Borama and Erigavo, to commemorate the May 18 anniversary.