Hargeisa – The Republic of Djibouti has closed its diplomatic mission in Hargeisa, the capital of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The embassy has ceased all operations and its premises have been shuttered.
The closure involved the full withdrawal of diplomatic personnel, including the ambassador, who have all returned to Djibouti. Local staff employed at the mission have been dismissed.
The specific reasons for Djibouti’s decision have not been formally disclosed. However, sources suggest the move reflects a significant deterioration in ties between Djibouti and Somaliland.
Impact on Services
The Djibouti embassy in Hargeisa was a key service provider, handling a wide range of consular functions. It issued Djiboutian passports, registered births and deaths, processed residency permits and visas, and authenticated official documents for the tens of thousands of Djiboutian citizens residing in Somaliland.
It was widely considered one of the busiest foreign missions operating in the region.
