Update: Egypt Urges Nationals to Leave Somaliland
Egypt has issued a statement urging its nationals to leave the breakaway region of Somaliland in Somalia due to security concerns. The Egyptian Embassy in Somalia emphasized the unstable security situation and advised against travel to the area.
The Somaliland government’s recent decision to close an Egyptian library in the region has escalated tensions. This move comes after Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia for a military base and a lease of the port of Berbera.
Egypt, with its own tensions with Ethiopia over the Nile dam project, rejects this memorandum. The Egyptian presidency has shown support for Somalia’s sovereignty and has reportedly sent troops as part of international peacekeeping forces in Mogadishu.
As the situation unfolds, Egyptians in Somaliland are urged to leave via Hargeisa airport. The embassy stated its limitations in providing consular assistance due to the security concerns. It is crucial for Egyptian nationals to adhere to the regulations set by Somali authorities when planning trips to the region.