Egypt warns citizens against travelling to Somaliland amid escalating regional tensions
Egypt has aligned itself with Somalia's territorial claims over Somaliland in opposition to Ethiopia, sparking more diplomatic rows.
Egypt has warned its citizens against travelling to Somaliland due to security concerns.
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In an official statement posted on its Facebook page yesterday, the Egyptian Embassy in Mogadishu urged its nationals currently in Somaliland—a breakaway region from Somalia, which Egypt does not recognise—to leave immediately via Hargeisa Airport.
The embassy stressed that the security situation limits its ability to offer consular assistance to Egyptians in Somaliland.
Additionally, the embassy advised Egyptians planning to travel to any region within the Federal Republic of Somalia to adhere to the regulations and procedures set by Somali federal authorities.
Tensions have risen between Somalia and its neighbour Ethiopia over a port deal in Somaliland, where Addis Ababa secured a sea lease with Hargeisa authorities.
Egypt has aligned itself with Somalia's territorial claims over Somaliland in opposition to Ethiopia, sparking more diplomatic rows.
The already strained relations between Egypt and Ethiopia, worsened by the construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile—seen by Egypt as a major threat to its water and food security—have further deteriorated.
The recent tensions follow Egypt's closer ties with Somalia, Ethiopia's regional rival.
Cairo's plans to deploy troops in Somalia as part of the AU mission have further aggravated tensions with Addis Ababa.
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