Egypt - May 2023

On 3 May, the Egyptian government launched a national dialogue that had been announced by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in April 2022, aimed at addressing the country's economic and political challenges. The dialogue is seen as a key opportunity for policy reforms and political changes that reflect the aspirations of the Egyptian people, and should provide a platform to address and reconcile conflicting perspectives, promote inclusivity, and foster a sense of national unity.  However, the process has been overshadowed by a crackdown on dissent, with numerous arrests of opposition politicians and activists. This has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the inclusivity of the dialogue. The arrests have undermined the potential for genuine consensus and reconciliation, drawing international condemnation. Critics argue that the dialogue lacks meaningful participation from opposition groups and is one-sided in favour of the government. The lack of inclusivity and the government's credibility issues have cast doubts on the dialogue's effectiveness in bringing about meaningful change in Egypt.

Sources: Egypt State Information Service, Reuters, Egypt Independent, The Arab Weekly, Africa News, Reporters Without Borders