Egypt urges citizens in Somaliland to leave as soon as possible due to security concerns

CAIRO – 22 September 2024: Egypt has issued a call to its citizens residing in Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia in northeast Africa, to evacuate promptly via the Hargeisa Airport due to security challenges.

“The current security situation in Somaliland limits the ability to provide any consular assistance to Egyptians there,” said a statement circulated by Egypt’s Al Qahera News.

Egypt has also advised individuals intending to travel to any of Somalia's states to strictly adhere to the regulations and procedures established by the competent Somali authorities.

This directive comes amidst ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia since January, following Addis Ababa's agreement with Somaliland, granting Ethiopia leasing rights to a significant portion of the Red Sea coastline in Somaliland.

Egypt has consistently expressed its support for Somalia's sovereignty, as Somalia views the agreement as an encroachment on its territorial integrity.