Somaliland Sovereignty Day 2024, 2025 and 2026 in Somalia

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.

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2024	18 May	Sat	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Sun	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
2025	18 May	Sun	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Mon	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
2026	18 May	Mon	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Tue	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

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.

Previous Years

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2023	18 May	Thu	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Fri	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
2022	18 May	Wed	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Thu	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
2021	18 May	Tue	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Wed	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
2020	18 May	Mon	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Tue	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
2019	18 May	Sat	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Sun	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
2018	18 May	Fri	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Sat	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *
2017	18 May	Thu	Somaliland Sovereignty Day *
	19 May	Fri	Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday *