An expert on African affairs told Zoom Africa: “Respect for the nation-state is Egypt’s principle in dealing with the continent’s issues.”

Dr. Ramadan Qarni, an expert on African affairs, stated that Cairo attaches particular importance to discussing African priorities and places them at the forefront of its foreign policy agenda. Among the most prominent issues that have gained special prominence for the Egyptian state is the issue of development in Africa. AfricaGiven its connection to many issues, especially terrorism, the structure of African peace and security, as well as complex and intertwined geopolitical challenges, starting with armed conflicts, passing through the spread of the scourge of terrorism, reaching transnational organized crime, as well as the repercussions of climate change, in addition to Cairo’s endeavor to create national mechanisms for qualifying and preparing African national cadres.

Qarni explained in an interview with Zoom Africa: “The Egyptian political discourse in all African forums affirms its belief in the African dream embodied in Agenda 2063. The Africa we want is not a dream, but a tangible reality, despite the many challenges and crises that the continent faces internally and externally. This approach is a commendable direction for Egyptian efforts, given its alignment with the most important priorities of the African Union, which is Agenda 2063.”.

He continued, “Egypt’s approach to the continent’s issues is based on respect for the nation-state, as the basic unit and cornerstone of the regional and international system. This is linked to respecting the sovereignty of other countries, not interfering in their affairs, and emphasizing that weakening or threatening state institutions leads to instability in relations between countries, increases the chances of unrest and chaos, and increases the role of non-state organized entities such as military organizations and militias.”.

Regarding the issue of post-conflict reconstruction and development, the expert on African affairs explained that Egypt has several mechanisms in place for this purpose, most notably the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, the African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (which Egypt hosts), the Peace and Sustainable Development Forum (held annually in Aswan), and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, which plays a role in building the national capacities of citizens across the continent.

He continued, “The African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development, hosted by Egypt and announced in 2019, is the most prominent mechanism for resolving political conflicts on the continent. The call to establish the center came from a belief in the importance of supporting stability and rebuilding the capacities of African countries in the post-conflict phase, in addition to the importance of bridging the gap in the African peace and security system by establishing a continental mechanism to address the situations of countries emerging from conflicts and to strengthen peace within them.”.