Egypt - The African Mirror

Feb

11

2024

Egypt steps up security on border as Israeli offensive in Gaza nears

EGYPT has sent about 40 tanks and armoured personnel carriers to northeastern Sinai within the past two weeks as part of a series of measures to bolster security on its border with Gaza, two Egyptian security sources said. The deployment took place ahead of the expansion of Israeli military operations around Gaza's southern city of Rafah, where much of its population has sought safety, sharpening Egyptian fears that Palestinians could be forced en masse out of the enclave. Israeli warplanes struck Rafah, which adjoins the border, on Friday and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to prepare to evacuate the displaced…

Feb

08

2024

By The African Mirror

Egypt receives Hamas response to Gaza truce proposal, working to reach final formula

NEWS

EGYPTIAN officials said that they have received Hamas' response to a framework ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, a statement from Egypt's State Information Service said. "We will discuss all the details of the proposed framework with the concerned parties to reach an agreement on the final formula as soon as possible," Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service, was quoted as saying. Egyptian security sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Hamas' response showed flexibility, asking for a specific timeline for the ceasefire to end after the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday in early April. "Egypt will continue to exert…

Jan

25

2024

By PATRICK WERR

Egypt economic growth forecasts lowered as Gaza crisis flares – Reuters poll

BUSINESS

Egyptian economic growth will be slower than previously expected as its pound weakens, inflation cuts into purchasing power and fallout from the Gaza crisis eats into the country's main sources of foreign currency, a Reuters poll showed. Revenue from the Suez Canal fell 40% in early January after sea attacks by Yemen's Houthis diverted away shipping. The crisis in neighbouring Gaza that started in October has also weakened the tourism outlook. "Developments over the past month have seen the country being hit hard from various angles and directly to its main revenue generators," Pieter du Preez of Oxford Economics wrote in a…

Jan

23

2024

By The African Mirror

Cape Verde and Egypt seal last-16 places at Cup of Nations

AFCON 2023

CAPE Verde's Bryan Teixeira scored a 99th-minute equaliser as they held record seven-time champions Egypt to a 2-2 Group B draw at the Africa Cup of Nations, with both sides reaching the last-16 after a pulsating clash. Cape Verde had already been confirmed as group winners before a ball was kicked and took the lead against the run of play through striker Benchimol at the end of the first half. Egypt hit back five minutes into the second period when Trezeguet produced a neat finish from a tight angle before Mostafa Mohamed thought he had won the game in added…

Jan

22

2024

By The African Mirror

President Sisi says Egypt will not allow any threat to Somalia or its security

NEWS

EGYPT will not allow any threat to Somalia, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said after Ethiopia said it would consider recognising an independence claim by Somaliland in a deal that would give it access to a seaport. The remarks were the strongest yet made on the issue by Egypt, which already has frosty relations with Ethiopia, and were a sign that Cairo may get involved in a dispute that has raised fresh tensions in the volatile Horn of Africa. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not won recognition from any country. The port lease deal, which was agreed…

Jan

20

2024

By PATRICK WERR

Suez Canal diversions pile pressure on Egypt’s distressed economy

BUSINESS

A sharp downturn in revenue after sea attacks by Yemen's Houthis diverted shipping away from the Suez Canal has struck a painful new blow to Egypt's already deteriorating economy, adding urgency to the need for reforms and help from abroad. Nearly all Egypt's main sources of foreign currency - natural gas exports, tourism, worker remittances from abroad, and now Suez Canal revenue - have all come under recent and severe pressure. Egypt needs foreign currency not only to import essential commodities to feed its people but also to repay $189.7 billion in foreign debt, most of it racked up over…

Jan

19

2024

By The African Mirror

Egypt face anxious wait over Salah injury after Ghana draw

AFCON 2023

MOHAMMED Kudus scored a brace of goals but Ghana twice let a lead slip to draw 2-2 with Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash in Abidjan on Thursday, with the latter facing an anxious wait over an injury concern for Mohamed Salah. Salah limped out of the game just before halftime with what appeared a muscle injury as he grabbed the back of his leg following a bursting run. It will have set off alarm bells at Liverpool, too. Both teams still have work to do to qualify for the knockout rounds. Record seven-time winners Egypt,…

Jan

17

2024

By The African Mirror

Egypt thwarts drug smuggling attempt on border with Israel

NEWS

EGYPT thwarted a drug smuggling attempt after an exchange of gunfire close to a crossing on the border with Israel, where aid deliveries for Gaza are being inspected, its army spokesperson said. One person was killed in the incident in the Sinai peninsula and six drug smugglers were arrested south of the Al-Awja border crossing, known in Israel as the Nitzana crossing, the spokesperson added. An Israeli official also said the suspects were most probably trying to smuggle drugs across the border from Egypt, which has been at peace with Israel for decades. The Israeli army's Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee,…

Jan

14

2024

By The African Mirror

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to travel to Africa in Jan

NEWS

CHINA'S foreign minister Wang Yi will travel to Africa and visit Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire from January 13-18, China's foreign ministry said. The visit will mark the 34th consecutive year in which the foreign minister has gone to Africa for their first overseas trip of the year, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference. Wang will also visit Brazil and Jamaica from January 18-22, Mao added.

Jan

12

2024

By HATEM MAHER

Attack-minded Egypt enter AFCON with renewed confidence

AFCON 2023

EGYPT hope a new attacking approach will bear fruit as they launch a fresh bid to win a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title in the Ivory Coast, putting behind them the disappointment of two recent near misses. They kick off their campaign against Mozambique in Abidjan on Sunday, having had to settle for silver medals in 2017 and 2021, with a shock round of 16 loss to South Africa on home soil in 2019. Both recent final appearances were achieved via stout defensive displays as Argentine coach Hector Cuper and Portuguese boss Carlos Queiroz made this the foundation…