The Egyptian cultural centre in Hargeisa has been shut down.
The Foreign Ministry of Somaliland, in a statement released on Wednesday, said that the closure has to do with a security threat the government of Egypt posed on the country.
The ministry also ordered workers of the library to leave the breakaway region in 72 hours.
“After careful consideration and due to serious and ongoing security concerns identified by the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland determined that it is necessary to permanently close the Egyptian Cultural Center,” Wasirka Arimahs.
The minister said the decision was not taken lightly and it is in the best interest of our country and wellbeing of its people.
According to the minister, the government will continue to monitor the situation closely and take the necessary steps to ensure the security of the region and well being of its people.
He said the MoU agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland is finalized and a formal agreement is imminent.
Egypt’s imminent delivery of troops to Somaliland to the newly endorsed African Union Mission in Somalia is causing jitters in neighboring Ethiopia and tension in the horn of Africa.
MG/abj/APA