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📅 holiday

Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *

Monday, May 18, 2026

— days to go

While not recognised by any other country of the world, the Red Sea coastal area of Somalia now claims to be the independent republic of Somaliland. And it functions independently too, while having obtained special “autonomous” status within the state of Somalia. This status has been enjoyed since July of 2007, but independence was declared on 18 May, 1991, which is why 18 May is Somaliland Sovereignty Day. In 2027, Somaliland Sovereignty Day falls on Tuesday 18 May. The holiday will be on Thursday 18 May in 2028. Note: Somaliland Sovereignty Day is observed in Somaliland only. In Somaliland’s capital city of Hargeisa, 18 May is a big celebration. It represents the fruits of the sacrifice of many years of struggle and warfare. After British Somaliland became independent in 1960, it willingly joined up with the former Italian Somaliland to form modern Somalia. But when an independence movement developed in former British Somaliland, it led to the Somalian Civil War between 1988 and 1991. The war ceased, and Somaliland officially declared its independence. Sixteen years later, limited autonomy was acknowledged by the central government of Somalia. Certain parts of traditional Somaliland are not under current Somaliland’s actual control, however. Maakhir province has declared independence separately, while Sool province is controlled by Puntland. And Awdal province has threatened to secede also if Somaliland actually gains full independence in the future.

History

This status has been enjoyed since July of 2007, but independence was declared on 18 May, 1991, which is why 18 May is Somaliland Sovereignty Day. It represents the fruits of the sacrifice of many years of struggle and warfare. But when an independence movement developed in former British Somaliland, it led to the Somalian Civil War between 1988 and 1991. The war ceased, and Somaliland officially declared its independence. Sixteen years later, limited autonomy was acknowledged by the central gov

How It's Celebrated

While not recognised by any other country of the world, the Red Sea coastal area of Somalia now claims to be the independent republic of Somaliland. This status has been enjoyed since July of 2007, but independence was declared on 18 May, 1991, which is why 18 May is Somaliland Sovereignty Day. The

Other Years

2026 Mon
18 May
2027 Tue
18 May
2028 Thu
18 May
2025 Sun
18 May
2024 Sat
18 May

Countries

🇸🇴 SO

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