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Hargeysa, Somaliland, May 23,
2009 (SL Times) – Somalilanders celebrated Independence Day throughout
the country and around the world. The biggest gathering took place at
Freedom Park, in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeysa. Thousands of people
gathered at the park with Somaliland’s flags everywhere. Among the
prominent figures present were President Dahir Rayale Kahin,
Vice-President Ahmed Yusuf Yasin, Upper House Chairman Suleiman Mahmud
Adan, and the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Muhammad Abdillahi Irro.
President Dahir Rayale gave a 9-page speech which dwelled on the
government’s accomplishment in maintaining peace, extending the writ of
the government to the farthest regions, building the armed forces and
providing health and educational services. The president warned against
Somalia’s lawlessness from spreading to Somaliland and alerted
Somalilanders about irreligious people who are using religion for evil
purposes. The president also pointed out that his government is ready
for the presidential election due to take place in September.
The opposition had a separate celebration of Independence Day at Mansoor
Hotel. Among the high officials present there were the Chairman of UCID
party, Eng. Faysal Cali Waraabe, the vice-Chairman of UCID, Muhammad
Rashid Sheikh Hassan, the Spokesman of KULMIYE, Muhammad Kahin Ahmed,
KULMIYE’s vice-presidential candidate, Abdirahman Zaylai, Kulmiye’s
Deputy Chairman, Muse Bihi, and UCID’s Deputy Chairman, Mr. Adan Mire
Waqaf.
In his speech, UCID Chairman congratulated the people of Somaliland on
the momentous occasion. Mr. Faysal Waraabe was critical of the
government for its weak foreign policy, its poor economic policies, and
the lack of ranking system within the military.
A few weeks ago, the government of Somaliland had set up a committee to
prepare for the celebrations. The committee was tasked with extending
invitations to important personalities from the various branches of
government, opposition parties, and historic figures associated with the
Somaliland’s liberation struggle. However, the opposition claimed that
the committee did not invite them and that is why they celebrated
separately.
But despite the political differences, May 18 was a special day for all
Somalilanders.
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