Egypt deepens ties with Africa for security, prosperity

CAIRO - 21 October 2024:  Diaa Rashwan, head of the General Information Authority, praised Egypt's ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with African nations, emphasizing that these efforts play a crucial role in bolstering Egypt’s national security and advancing its vital interests.

These relations are grounded in shared political, geographical, economic, and cultural ties between Egypt and African countries, both historically and in the present day. Rashwan noted that this deepened engagement with African nations is more necessary than ever in the face of geopolitical developments that are creating security, political, and economic challenges in the region and the world.

These comments were made in the editorial of the latest issue of the quarterly journal Afro-Scopic Horizons, which also featured a special report titled "The African Stance on the Israeli War on Gaza." This report included a historical study on the evolution of Israeli-African relations, another study on Africa's evolving stance on the Palestinian cause, and an analysis of Africa's position on the recent Israeli war on Gaza, alongside a report on Israel's growing uncertainty in Africa.

Rashwan highlighted Egypt's recent moves to bolster its ties with African nations, particularly with Nile Basin countries and those in the Horn of Africa. He referenced the Egyptian government’s formation statement, which stressed the importance of enhancing Egypt’s role in its regional sphere, promoting stability and development across Africa, and safeguarding Egypt's national security.

The statement also reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to leading African initiatives and defending African interests on regional and international levels.

Rashwan also discussed the government’s framework for advancing Egypt’s relations with Africa, which includes deepening ties with Nile Basin countries, providing them with aid, strengthening Egypt’s role in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, and supporting peace and security initiatives in Africa. Additionally, the plan seeks to increase trade and economic relations with African countries.

The latest issue of Afro-Scopic Horizons also featured a study on the funding of terrorism in Africa, focusing on its sources, indicators, and methods of combating it. Another study explored digital platforms as a new window for African cinema.