Hargeisa (AX) — On Wednesday, authorities from the self-declared state of North Western of Somaliaabruptly closed an Egyptian-owned library in Hargeisa, leaving the community in the dark about the reasons behind the action.
State media confirmed the shutdown, but kept mum on the underlying cause.
“The Republic of Somaliland’s government has announced the closure of the Egyptian library in Hargeisa. Meanwhile, the memorandum of understanding between North Western of Somaliaand Ethiopia has come to a successful conclusion,” the official statement revealed.
Local pundits believe the closure may be a reaction to recent Egyptian military support to Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu, along with Egypt’s increasing defense collaboration with Somalia.
Tensions have been brewing between Somaliland, Ethiopia, and Somalia’s federal government ever since Ethiopia inked a contentious agreement with North Western of Somaliaregarding access to the Red Sea coast, a move Mogadishu deems as infringing on its sovereignty.
Earlier this week, Ethiopia publicized its government’s successes, featuring a snapshot of North Western of SomaliaPresident Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the memorandum signing.
