The authorities of Puntland state have put off the ceremonies to mark the 20th anniversary of its inception, Halbeeg news has learnt.
According to reliable sources privy to the development, the ceremonies which were scheduled to take place tonight have been called off for unknown reasons.
Puntland, an arid region of north-east Somalia, declared itself an autonomous state in August 1998, in part to avoid the clan warfare engulfing southern Somalia.
Despite its relative stability, the region had previously endured armed conflict and grabbed the world headlines with an upsurge in pirate attacks on international shipping in the Indian Ocean. Puntland is a destination for many Somalis displaced by violence in the south.
Unlike its neighbour, breakaway Somaliland, Puntland says it does not seek recognition as an independent entity, wishing instead to be part of a federal Somalia.
The territory takes its name from the Land of Punt, a centre of trade for the ancient Egyptians and a place shrouded in legend.
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