MOGADISHU, January 20, 2026 – Tens of thousands of Somalis poured onto the streets of Mogadishu in wild celebration after Somaliland’s historic referendum delivered a landslide victory for reunification with Somalia.
Official results announced today show 97.3% of voters in Somaliland chose to dissolve the 1991 declaration of independence and formally rejoin the Federal Republic of Somalia after 35 years of de facto separation.
Jubilant crowds waved the Somali national flag (light blue with white star) alongside the old Somaliland flag now held upside down in symbolic surrender. Many wore headbands and clothing in the national colours while chanting “Somalia Haya Haya!” (“Long Live Somalia!”) and “Midnimo!” (“Unity!”).
The referendum, held peacefully on January 18 under international observation, recorded an unprecedented 89% voter turnout. In Hargeisa, the former capital of Somaliland, emotional scenes showed former separatist supporters tearing up old flags and embracing federal troops.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the nation tonight, declaring January 20 a permanent national holiday called “Maalinta Midnimada” (Unity Day) and promising massive reconstruction investment for the northern regions.
After decades of division, warlordism, and piracy, Somalia takes a monumental step toward becoming a fully united nation once again.
