Somaliland Diaspora Council Hosts a Landmark 66th Somaliland Independence Day Celebration in London

Jun 26
3 min read

26 June 2026 | The Selby Centre, London, United Kingdom

The Somaliland Diaspora Council (SLDC) proudly hosted a remarkable celebration commemorating the 66th Anniversary of Somaliland's Independence at The Selby Centre in London. The event brought together hundreds of Somalilanders, distinguished international guests, political representatives, community leaders, diplomats, academics, entrepreneurs, media professionals, and young leaders in a memorable evening dedicated to unity, heritage, and Somaliland's future.

The celebration reflected Somaliland's enduring democratic values, resilient history, and the growing influence of its global diaspora. More than simply marking a historic anniversary, the event served as a platform to strengthen international engagement, promote dialogue, and showcase Somaliland's achievements to a global audience.

A Celebration of National Pride

The atmosphere throughout the evening was filled with patriotism as guests proudly celebrated the historic day when Somaliland gained its independence on 26 June 1960.

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant programme featuring traditional Somaliland cultural performances, patriotic music, inspiring speeches, community networking, and opportunities for meaningful discussions about Somaliland's future development.

The event united Somalilanders from across the United Kingdom and beyond, creating an inspiring environment where different generations came together to celebrate their shared identity and heritage.

Distinguished International Guests

One of the highlights of the celebration was the participation of internationally respected guests whose presence demonstrated Somaliland's growing international visibility.

Ms. Ji Hye Choi

Managing Director, Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND)

Ms. Ji Hye Choi attended the celebration as an honoured international guest, representing one of South Korea's leading institutions focused on infrastructure and urban development. Her participation reflected the importance of international cooperation and highlighted opportunities for future dialogue on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Mr. Amjad Taha

International Political Analyst and Strategist

Internationally recognised political analyst and strategist Mr. Amjad Taha delivered one of the evening's most anticipated keynote speeches.

During his address, he spoke about Somaliland's strategic geopolitical importance, democratic governance, regional stability, economic opportunities, and the country's increasing relevance within the Horn of Africa and the wider international community.

His remarks were warmly received by the audience and reinforced the significance of international engagement with Somaliland.

Councillor Nelly Tackie

Councillor – London Borough of Haringey

The event was also honoured by the attendance of Councillor Nelly Tackie from the London Borough of Haringey.

Her participation demonstrated the strong relationship between local government institutions in the United Kingdom and Somaliland communities living in London. She praised the contribution of the Somaliland diaspora to British society while recognising the importance of cultural diversity, community engagement, and international friendship.

Participation from Somaliland's National Political Parties

The celebration reflected Somaliland's democratic maturity through the participation of representatives from all three national political parties:

WADDANI Party
KULMIYE Party
KAAH Party

Their presence symbolised national unity and a shared commitment to commemorating Somaliland's independence while strengthening cooperation among Somaliland communities around the world.

Community Leaders, Media and Diaspora Engagement

The celebration welcomed a diverse audience that included:

Senior Somaliland community leaders
Youth representatives
Women leaders
Business professionals
Academics and researchers
Social media influencers
International political observers
Journalists and media organisations
Members of the Somaliland diaspora from across the United Kingdom

The event provided valuable networking opportunities and encouraged meaningful discussions on youth empowerment, investment, diplomacy, education, innovation, and community development.

Preserving Somaliland's Heritage

Guests experienced Somaliland's rich cultural identity through traditional performances, patriotic songs, artistic presentations, and community storytelling.

These performances celebrated Somaliland's history, resilience, and national identity while inspiring younger generations to preserve their cultural heritage and contribute positively to the country's future.

SLDC's Vision for the Future

As a leading diaspora organisation, the Somaliland Diaspora Council continues to build bridges between Somalilanders across the world by promoting:

Youth Leadership
International Partnerships
Investment Opportunities
Education and Innovation
Community Development
Global Networking
Cultural Preservation
Public Diplomacy

The council remains committed to creating opportunities that empower Somaliland communities worldwide while strengthening Somaliland's international profile.

Appreciation

The Somaliland Diaspora Council extends its sincere appreciation to every distinguished guest, keynote speaker, political representative, community leader, volunteer, sponsor, media partner, performer, and attendee whose contribution made this historic celebration an outstanding success.

Special appreciation is extended to Ms. Ji Hye Choi, Mr. Amjad Taha, and Councillor Nelly Tackie for honouring the event with their presence and contributing to meaningful international dialogue and friendship.

The overwhelming support shown throughout the celebration demonstrated the strength, unity, and resilience of the Somaliland community across the world.

Together, we celebrated our history, honoured our journey, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to building a stronger future for Somaliland.