Puntland Holds 28th Anniversary Military Parade, Emphasizing Stability and Governance

On Saturday in Garowe, Puntland marked the 28th anniversary of its establishment (August 1, 1998) with a large public ceremony. President Said Abdullahi Deni, Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, Speaker of the Puntland House of Representatives, former President and Upper House Senator Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, cabinet ministers, lawmakers, senior military commanders, traditional elders and thousands of residents gathered in the city’s central square.

The highlight was a military parade featuring the Puntland Dervish Forces, Police, Maritime Police, Presidential Guard and other security formations, displaying armored personnel carriers, tactical combat vehicles and other equipment. Officials used the event to showcase the region’s security capabilities and to reaffirm Puntland’s role within Somalia’s federal system amid ongoing tensions with the Federal Government and persistent militant threats.

The celebrations, marked by flag‑raising, patriotic songs and public speeches, were presented as a testament to Puntland’s resilience, stability and contribution to state‑building in Somalia.