Somaliland Independence Day: Sunday 18 May 2014

On Sunday 18 May, 3.5 million residents of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland will join with diaspora communities around the world to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of their independence. This year celebrations will be slightly different. For the first time, in a great break of tradition, communities across Somaliland, and diaspora groups around the world including in the UK, U.S.A, Australia, Sweden, Belgium, Kenya, will be raising funds to build and improve Somaliland’s national road system. Somaliland is the first country in the world where crowd-sourcing is being used to fund major infrastructure projects. Somaliland’s uncertain status has made it difficult to attract development funding and investment via traditional means. So far donations and pledges have amounted to more 7 million dollars. All donations are being matched by the government. Government officials are also donating a proportion of their salaries to the campaign. On Independence Day, President Silanyo will address the people of Somaliland in Hargeisa, the capital city. The President will once again call on the international community to recognize Somaliland’s independence, which would reflect the reality that has now existed for over 20 years.

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