Wednesday September 11, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) — Authorities in the breakaway region of Somaliland shut down an Egyptian-owned library in Hargeisa on Wednesday without providing details about the reasons behind the closure.
The state-owned media confirmed the closure but did not elaborate on the motive.
"The government of the Republic of Somaliland has announced that the Egyptian library in Hargeisa has been closed. On the other hand, the MoU between the governments of Somaliland and Ethiopia has ended successfully," the statement read.
Local analysts suggest the closure could be linked to recent Egyptian military aid delivered to Somalia's federal government in Mogadishu and the growing defense cooperation between Egypt and Somalia.
Relations between Somaliland, Ethiopia, and the federal government of Somalia have been tense since Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland over access to the Red Sea coast, which Mogadishu views as a violation of its sovereignty.
Earlier this week, Ethiopia highlighted the achievements of its government, showcasing an image of Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the signing of the MoU.