Emmanuel Macron said he would not condition the sale of arms to Egypt on human rights
The President of France – Emmanuel Macron today, i.e., Monday, December 7, 2020 said that he would not condition the sale of arms to Egypt on human rights as he does not want Egypt to fall weak in countering terrorism in the region.
The announcement comes as President of Egypt – Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s arrived in France today. He was welcomed with a Cavalry Parade through Paris. He was escorted to Elysee Palace, the official residence of French President, where Macron welcomed him.
Thanking Macron for the warm welcome, Sisi tweeted (translated from Arabic), “I thank French President Emmanuel Macron for the warm reception and hospitality in my visit to France. The relations between our two countries are characterized by diversity in various fields, and today we discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations at various levels.” Original tweet in Arabic:
أشكر الرئيس الفرنسي إيمانويل ماكرون على حُسن الاستقبال وكرم الضيافة في زيارتي لفرنسا، فالعلاقات بين بلدينا تتميز بالتنوع في مجالات متعددة، وقد تطرقنا اليوم إلى سبل تعزيز العلاقات الثنائية على مختلف الأصعدة..١/٢ pic.twitter.com/HywZpv3O6q
— Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) December 7, 2020
Emmanuel Macron has developed close ties with Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ever since he came to power in 2014. They share common concerns related to instability across the Sahel, threats from jihadist groups and political vacuum in Libya.
Addressing a Joint Press Conference from Elysee Palace, Macron said, “I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements [over human rights].”
He further added, “It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one of our partners in the fight against terrorism.”
Talking about his interaction with Macron, Sisi tweeted (translated from Arabic), “We exchanged visions about our common issues, and the need to intensify meaningful consultations in facing challenges to consolidate peace and stability in the region.” Original tweet in Arabic:
أشكر الرئيس الفرنسي إيمانويل ماكرون على حُسن الاستقبال وكرم الضيافة في زيارتي لفرنسا، فالعلاقات بين بلدينا تتميز بالتنوع في مجالات متعددة، وقد تطرقنا اليوم إلى سبل تعزيز العلاقات الثنائية على مختلف الأصعدة..١/٢ pic.twitter.com/HywZpv3O6q
— Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) December 7, 2020
Ahead of Sisi’s visit, 17 French and international human rights groups issued a statement accusing Macron of turning a blind eye to what they say are increasing violations of freedoms by Sisi’s Government. Dismissing the criticism, the Government said it has a policy of avoiding public declarations about other countries’ rights records and instead raises concerns in private.
Nevertheless, even within French officialdom, there are doubts about the close embrace of Sisi, who has presided while thousands of opponents have been jailed.
Between 2013-2017, France was the main supplier of weapons to Egypt. During that phase, Egypt also purchased 2 French-made Mistral-class helicopter carriers and 24 Rafale advanced fighter jets. Post that, the weapons trade dried up, including deals for more Rafale fighter jets and warships that had been at an advanced stage. Diplomats say that is as much to do with financing issues as with France’s response to human rights concerns.
