Cultural Visit to Liverpool by the President of Somaliland

Devonshire Hotel, Edge Lane
February 1st 2014

By Tracey Dunn
Photos by Farah Ikran

I was invited by a friend, who teaches Somali children in Toxteth, to attend this event at the Devonshire Hotel in Edge Lane. This is not far from where many of Liverpool's Somaliland community live around Lodge Lane, Toxteth.

The President, Ahmed Mohamed Mohaoud, studied at London and Manchester Universities in the 1960's taking a bachelor's degree in economics. His party is called the 'Peace, Unity and Development party. Unfortunately his brother, who lives in Liverpool, is currently ill in hospital.

A lot of the President's family were present and it was obvious he was a very liked man. The whole place was done out in the colours of the Somaliland flag, red, green and white, including chair covers and balloons.

We sat in the hall for a few hours chatting to the women on our table. They told us about Somaliland customs, such as the men having up to four wives and very young girls generally being married to much older men.

There was no alcohol at this event, as it is not allowed in the Muslim religion, so we had cups of tea, water or soft drinks. People had really dressed up in their best clothes and a few women were in traditional Somaliland dress.

This consisted of white long skirts and orange-hued dresses over them with a white sash and green headscarf. Many women were draped in the flag and one creative woman had turned her flag into a head covering.

When the President finally arrived after a very long wait he was extremely well received by his supporters. The women whooped and lots of men flanked him as he walked up the length of the hall followed by some supporters. It was a very emotional moment.

Somaliland TV were there filming as women sang and those behind waved little flags. Posters were distributed with photographs of the First Lady of Somaliland which I thought was a nice touch. There were also some posters with the President's image on.

My friend and I didn't understand the Somali language but it was obvious everyone was having a great evening at this visit.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Mohamed_Mohamoud

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