Egypt: We are Africans and We are Proud says Envoy

Alex Enumah

Africa is reputed as the cradle of civilization and there is no disputing the fact that Egypt stands as the bastion of that amiable civilization.

Also by its geographical location up in the north, Egypt occupies an enviable status as gateway to the African continent.

The country, boasts of a unique mix of cultures, that emerged as a result of different civilizations and religious beliefs, that blended so well on its soil.

According to Ahmed Maher, Press and Information Officer of the Embassy of Egypt in Abuja, This amazing blend of diverse backgrounds, especially between Coptic Christian culture and Islamic culture all together, define the current socio-cultural character of the Egyptian society.

He noted that, it is this unique character that Egypt shares with other African countries that confirms its root in the continent, adding that Egypt’s constitution did not only describe the country as a profound part of Africa but must continue to drive the dreams and aspirations of the continent.

“Africa is reputed as the cradle of civilization and Egypt has stood as the bastion of that amiable civilization and remained resolute in strengthening the sense of solidarity among African peoples.

“Although Africa is diverse in the outlook of its peoples, languages, religions and cultures, Africans have found strength and dignity as one people bound by exceptional cultural and social linkages, in a quest to preserve their values and emancipate their entire people from foreign hegemony and historical injustice”, he said.

In trying to stress Egypt’s heritage and root as an African nation, the embassy’s spokesperson succinctly puts it thus: “I no be oyibo. I am true African”. According to him, the colour of the Egyptian may be different from the rest of subSaharan Africa; Egypt nevertheless views every country on the continent as its brothers.

The diplomat disclosed that Egypt in demonstrating its affinity with the people of Africa particularly, during the colonial era became a rallying point in the libration struggles of all African countries.

“In the 1950s and 60s under the guardian leadership of the inimitable Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt manifested itself as a rallying point in the libration struggles of all African countries, which ensured that most African states are completely independent today”, he said.

“During his reign, most African countries were still wallowing under colonial rule. Therefore, Nasser’s position bestowed on him the rare responsibility as one of the few African leaders to chart the course of freedom. From that time, Nasser consolidated the values of the 1952 Revolution, mobilised other African leaders and pointed a way forward for freedom fighters, who emulated his passion and worked with his strategy”, he added.

Maher stated that long after the battle for independence of Africa had been fought and won; his country remains resolute and committed to the dreams and aspirations of the continent.

He recalled the role Egypt played in the formation and financing of the region’s body Organization of African Unity now African Union and other development agencies.

“Egypt has been a founding member of the then Organization of African Unity (OAU), which gave Africa a significant role in the international Arena. Both Egypt and Nigeria contribute around a third of African Union’s annual budget and have robust role in the peace- keeping operations in the continent and its economic integration.

“Other institutions such as the prestigious African Studies Center, Africa Journalist Union were created in Egypt to enhance Africa’s intellectual and Media collaborations”, Maher stated.