** Egypt and its role in Africa: a voice for peace and development **
On May 20, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Egyptian Emigration reaffirmed its commitment to be a key player in peace, stability and development in Africa. This statement, published on their Facebook account on the occasion of Africa’s Day, highlights a vision that Egypt wishes to promote, that of African unity and integration.
### Historical and political context
Egypt, historically anchored in the African continent, has played a central role in many pan -African initiatives since the 1960s, notably through the organization of African unity. In the current context, where the continent’s challenges range from the fight against terrorism to the management of economic crises, the Egyptian advocacy for increased integration appears as a relevant approach. However, it is advisable to wonder if this vision is shared by all African nations and how it articulates concretely on the ground.
### Egyptian engagement under Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, underlined during the ceremony marking this day the role of Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi as president of the Piloting Commission of the Development Initiative of the African Union (Auda-Nepad). His leadership is perceived as an opportunity to strengthen links between African countries. However, it is essential to question the implications of this position. The Auda-Nepad initiative, which aims to stimulate economic and social development, deserves critical evaluation. What concrete results are resulting so far, and how are these efforts perceived by other African states, especially those which could have reluctance in the face of Egyptian influence?
### Challenges of integration and cooperation
By evoking African integration, it is crucial to consider the persistent challenges that hinder effective cooperation. The economic and social disparities between African countries, exacerbated by centuries of colonialism and historical inequalities, remain a reality. In addition, the question of governance and human rights also arises acutely. How can Egypt, which has been criticized for its own governance practices, hope to embody a model of development and stability in the face of these challenges?
### Various voices of Africa
It is also important to recognize that Africa is a continent rich in cultural and political diversities. African states do not all have the same approach to regional development and cooperation issues. It would be wise to explore how the different African voices can be heard in bodies like the African Union, in order to promote a vision that really reflects the aspirations of all African peoples.
### to a constructive commitment
So that Egypt can really play its leading role on the continent, it is essential to adopt an inclusive approach which makes it possible to ensure real collaboration between African nations. The implementation of open dialogues and strategic partnerships, based on mutual respect and recognition of the specificities of each country, could promote a positive dynamic.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, the call of Egypt to unity and development in Africa deserves to be taken into account within the framework of a broader reflection on the role of African countries in their own future. Egypt’s commitment to be a voice for peace and development is laudable, but it must be accompanied by a desire to listen and actively engaging with all African nations. In this context, the future of African cooperation will depend on the ability of states to transcend their differences to forge a common future based on stability, development and social justice. Using this dialogue space to ask difficult questions and send challenges in a constructive way will be essential to promote a real and lasting unit in Africa.