On Thursday, Egypt and the United Kingdom held high-level consultations in Cairo to discuss pressing issues facing the African continent. The meeting, co-chaired by Ambassador Ihab Awad, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs, and Harriet Mathews, Director General for Africa at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, underscored both countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation in addressing Africa’s most urgent challenges. These talks came at a pivotal moment for the continent, where regional instability, conflicts, and humanitarian crises continue to dominate.
The discussions were rooted in Egypt’s longstanding leadership in African affairs and the UK’s strategic interest in fortifying its relations with African nations. A key focus of the consultations was regional conflicts and their impact on stability, security, and development in Africa.
Sudan Crisis: Urgent Call for Civilian Consensus
A central issue during the consultations was the ongoing crisis in Sudan, which has led to significant displacement and a growing humanitarian catastrophe. Both Egypt and the UK reiterated their shared belief in the urgent need to end the conflict and create a path toward peace. The two countries stressed the importance of fostering a civilian consensus as the foundation for a sustainable political solution in Sudan.
The talks emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance to reach those affected by the violence, with both Egypt and the UK committing to ensuring unhindered access to aid. The delegations also discussed the potential role of international actors in supporting Sudan’s transition to peace and stability, and reaffirmed their dedication to working within multilateral frameworks to address the crisis.
Sudan has faced ongoing political instability since the military coup in 2021, and the recent escalation of violence has exacerbated the challenges the country faces. Both Egypt and the UK are keen to play a role in facilitating dialogue and peacebuilding efforts, as Sudan’s situation remains a critical concern for the wider region.
Somalia: Support for Counter-Terrorism and African Union Mission
In addition to Sudan, the situation in Somalia was another key topic of discussion. Both Egypt and the UK expressed their continued support for Somalia’s federal government as it battles terrorism and strives for stability. The two countries discussed the importance of supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, highlighting the long-term goals of peace and development.
A key focus was the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is designed to strengthen Somalia’s security forces and combat terrorism. Both delegations emphasized the importance of securing adequate financing for the mission and continued international support for its operations.
Egypt’s leadership in facilitating the issuance of a joint communique on the African Union’s financial commitment to AUSSOM was also praised by the UK delegation. This is seen as an important step in ensuring the mission’s sustainability and effectiveness in Somalia, where the Al-Shabaab militant group remains a significant threat to security.
Both countries agreed that Somalia’s success in overcoming terrorism and achieving lasting peace is essential to regional stability in the Horn of Africa. They also acknowledged the significant progress made in the country’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen its institutions, but cautioned that continued support is necessary to maintain momentum.
Sahel Region: Combating Terrorism and Promoting Economic Growth
The Sahel region, which has been plagued by extremist violence, was another prominent topic during the consultations. Egypt and the UK expressed shared concerns over the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups, armed militias, and criminal networks operating across the region. Both countries stressed the importance of enhancing regional security cooperation and addressing the underlying issues driving conflict, such as poverty, governance challenges, and environmental stress.
The Lake Chad Basin, a key area of instability in the Sahel, was also discussed. Both delegations reviewed the ongoing efforts to support countries in the region in their fight against terrorism and extremism. They recognized that tackling security threats in the Sahel is essential for fostering economic growth and improving the livelihoods of its citizens.
Egypt and the UK agreed to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s security architecture, including training and capacity-building programs for regional security forces. Additionally, both countries emphasized the need for a more integrated approach to security, development, and governance in the Sahel to ensure long-term peace and prosperity.
Advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063
Beyond security concerns, the consultations also focused on the broader goals of the African Union (AU), particularly its flagship Agenda 2063. Egypt and the UK emphasized the importance of accelerating efforts in post-conflict reconstruction and development across Africa, stressing the need to prioritize peacebuilding initiatives and sustainable development.
The two countries acknowledged Egypt’s pivotal role in promoting peace and stability within the African Union framework, with Egypt being a driving force behind numerous peacekeeping and conflict-resolution initiatives on the continent. The consultations underscored the need to continue supporting the AU’s efforts to drive Africa’s development agenda forward, ensuring that the continent’s progress is inclusive and sustainable.
Both Egypt and the UK also discussed the potential for greater collaboration between the AU and international partners, recognizing that multilateral cooperation is essential for addressing Africa’s complex challenges.
Strengthening Egypt-UK Relations: A Shared Commitment to Peace and Development
The consultations were a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Egypt and the UK in African affairs. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address Africa’s security and development challenges. By engaging in dialogue on key issues, they aim to build stronger ties and expand their cooperation on matters of mutual interest.
As Egypt and the UK continue to collaborate on African issues, the partnership is poised to grow in significance. With both nations playing key roles in regional stability and development, their continued cooperation promises to bring about positive change for Africa.
The consultations concluded with an agreement to continue working closely together on issues of shared concern, with the next round of discussions expected to focus on further developing their partnership in Africa.
