Somaliland, a self-governing breakaway state in the Horn of Africa, is on May 18, 2023, celebrating 32 years of self-declared independence.
To mark the anniversary, citizens from all walks of life took to the streets in celebrations while draped in green, red, and white - the colours of the country's national flag, while the military held an ostentatious parade.
Somaliland declared unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991 and pronounced the city of Hargeisa as its capital following the ouster of President Siad Barre.
The country, however, remains largely unrecognized despite affirming its independence via a referendum in 2001.
Despite the foreign relations hiccup, it is rebuilding its economy and infrastructure. The tiny state boasts its own currency, holds democratic elections, and is relatively peaceful in sharp contrast to neighbouring Somalia.
