Egypt Urges Its Citizens in Somaliland to Depart Amidst Rising Tensions with Ethiopia

CAIRO, Egypt — Egypt has issued an advisory, urging its citizens residing in Somaliland to depart the breakaway region region promptly amid escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

The tension stems from an agreement struck in January this year between Addis Ababa and Somaliland, which grants Ethiopia access to 20 km of the Red Sea coast through a 50-year lease agreement with Somaliland, a move seen by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty.

Egypt, aligning with Somalia's stance, has vehemently opposed Ethiopia's coastal access deal, affirming its support for Somalia's territorial integrity. This diplomatic support has now translated into a security advisory, with Egypt recommending that its nationals in Somaliland leave through Hargeisa Airport as soon as feasible, citing the ongoing geopolitical friction.

The Somaliland-Ethiopia agreement has not only strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia but has also drawn Egypt into the fray, given its historical and strategic interests in the Nile River and regional stability.

Egypt's position is further complicated by its long-standing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which affects Nile water distribution, a vital resource for Egypt.

This latest advisory reflects Egypt's concern over the potential for conflict escalation in the Horn of Africa, where the interplay of territorial disputes, resource rights, and national sovereignty continues to simmer, potentially impacting regional stability.

GAROWE ONLINE