Puntland marks 18th anniversary of establishment

August 1st, 2016 marked the 18th anniversary of the establishment of Puntland, the autonomous region in Northern Somalia.

Celebrations marking the event have taken place in several cities in the region including Garowe, Galkayo, Bosaso and the diaspora across the globe.

Since its establishment, Puntland has been presided over by five presidents, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, Mohamed Abdi Hashi, Mohamoud Muse Hersi, Abdirahman Farole and current President, Abdiweli Gaas who won parliamentary election in January 2014.

Addressing crowds, President Abdiweli Mohammed Ali said that his administration was determined to work on the stability and unity of Somalia.

Puntland declared itself to be semi-autonomous from Somalia in 1998 as fighting raged through most of the country.

Unlike the self-declared state of Somaliland, Puntland is not trying to obtain international recognition as a nation. It seeks to become part of the united Somalia that is a federal republic.