On Monday, Ethiopia expressed its displeasure at the recent news that Egypt plans to set up a military base in Somaliland.
The government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asked Egypt to “refrain” from setting up such a base since it could pose a “security threat” in the entire East Africa region.
The reaction comes hot on the heels of a tour of Hargeisa by a delegation from Egypt two weeks ago.
The Egyptian delegation held a meeting with Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi Abdi and discussed its country’s intentions to set up a military base in East Africa’s self-declared state.
Ambassador Dina Mufti, the spokesperson of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged Egypt’s rights to form diplomatic ties with any nation in the region.
However, he asserted that Egypt must pursue its relationships without compromising the security of other countries.
Currently, Ethiopia enjoys excellent relations with Somaliland.