Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
EGYPT pins its hope on Africa for a solution to end the turmoil characterised by street protests following the ousting of Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Morsi, the country’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Bassem Khalil, has said. In an interview yesterday, Mr Khalil said the African Union ought to take its decision based on gathering information from all stakeholders and carefully evaluating evidence given to it before making a decision in its bid to assist Cairo return to normalcy. The diplomat said this as Egypt prepares to commemorate its 61st anniversary today.

“We are looking forward to the support of Africa, Zimbabwe included. We are an African country, we have always stood together as Africans to fight foreign occupation. Egypt got its independance in 1922 and this actually inspired several other African countries to fight for independence,” said Mr Khalil.

He implored the African Union, which has since cracked the whip by suspending Egypt, to be wary of listening to distorted information that he said was being peddled by the Western media on his country.

“We want all African countries to stand by our side and not to go by rumours propagated by the Western media. They have got their own agenda. Egypt is a major country in Africa, it enjoys good relations with African countries, we are counting on African brothers,” he said.

Asked what was the way forward to end the turmoil that has seen several people dying as security forces clash with protestors, Mr Khalil called for dialogue.
“There is need for political dialogue by all parties involved,” he said.

He said African Union Commission on Peace and Security sent its fact finding mission where it interacted with all stakeholders. The continental body, he said, was now compiling its report for presentation to the Commission.

On the domestic front, he said the interim government was working on a roadmap to have a new Constitution, subject it to a referendum before going for an election. He said the political dialogue currently going on had been spurned by Mr Morsi, who insisted that he should be reinstated unconditionally as he had been democratically elected.

The former Islamist-backed president was in power for only one year before being deposed by the Egyptian armed forces on July 3. The move sparked nationwide protests and widespread violence, painting a scene similar to the events of February 2012 which led to former long-time President Hosni Mubarak stepping down.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey