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In a bold diplomatic move, the government of Somaliland has ordered the closure of the Egyptian Cultural Center in Hargeisa, its capital. Dr. Essa Kayd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, cited “national security” concerns as he announced a 72-hour deadline for all staff to depart the country.
An anonymous government official further elaborated on these concerns, stating that the center was allegedly involved in activities that threatened Somaliland’s national security. “We have evidence that certain individuals associated with the Egyptian Cultural Center were engaging in espionage and other activities that compromised our national interests,” the official revealed .
This decisive action marks a significant departure from Somaliland’s traditionally cautious foreign policy approach. Known for its diplomatic restraint, even in the face of complex regional dynamics, Somaliland has historically refrained from such overt measures against foreign entities operating within its borders. The closure of the Egyptian facility stands in stark contrast to Somaliland’s treatment of other nations with similar regional engagements, notably Turkey, whose diplomatic mission in Hargeisa remains operational despite its defense pact with Somalia mirroring that of Egypt.
The timing of this decision is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with Egypt’s recent defense agreement with Somalia and speculation about Cairo’s potential involvement in post-ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) stabilization efforts. These developments have stirred unease among neighboring states, with some observers suggesting that Egypt aims to fortify its regional position, partly in response to its protracted dispute with Ethiopia over Nile water rights and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project.
At the heart of this regional tension lies the GERD, Ethiopia’s ambitious hydroelectric endeavor on the Blue Nile. Initiated in 2011 and slated to become Africa’s largest power plant of its kind, the dam has been a source of contention between Ethiopia and Egypt. While Ethiopia views the project as vital for its economic growth, Egypt, heavily dependent on the Nile, has expressed grave concerns about potential impacts on its water supply, particularly during the reservoir filling phase.
Adding a significant and positive shift to the geopolitical landscape is the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia, finalized in January 2024. This agreement, which grants Ethiopia coveted access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s port of Berbera, represents a strategic breakthrough for both nations. For Somaliland, it underscores its pivotal role in regional trade and logistics, while for Ethiopia, it opens new avenues for economic growth and enhanced connectivity. Despite sparking opposition from Somalia and concern among regional players like Djibouti, this MoU is seen as a tectonic shift that has the potential to reshape the power dynamics in the Horn of Africa positively. Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Essa Kayd emphasized that the formal agreement cannot be signed without Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland, further highlighting the MoU’s significance in the broader geopolitical context.
The Ethiopian-Somaliland partnership potentially aligns Somaliland more closely with Ethiopia in its ongoing Nile water dispute with Egypt. By closing the Egyptian Cultural Center while maintaining relations with other nations that have similar agreements with Somalia, Somaliland demonstrates the nuanced and strategic nature of its foreign policy. This calculated move suggests a delicate balancing act between asserting national interests, managing regional relationships, and positioning itself within broader geopolitical dynamics.
As this situation unfolds, the international community will keenly observe how Somaliland’s bold move affects its regional relationships and broader foreign policy objectives. The closure of the Egyptian Cultural Center, viewed against the backdrop of the Ethiopia MoU and ongoing regional tensions, may herald a new era in Somaliland’s approach to regional diplomacy.
This diplomatic chess move by Somaliland underscores the complex interplay of regional alliances, resource disputes, and the quest for influence that characterizes the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. As the region grapples with these multifaceted challenges, Somaliland’s actions may well serve as a catalyst for broader diplomatic realignments in this strategically critical part of the world.