Like countries in Africa, Egypt is at onset of electoral autocracy

Last week’s constitutional referendum, here in Egypt, coincided with the 64th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights which started at Sharm el Sheikh. Sessions are ordinarily preceded by a civil society forum, which serves as a preparatory platform for continental activists. Activists come together to share experiences, review developments in their countries since the previous commission session, and to develop a common agenda to bring to the attention of the commission. A number of commissioners attend the civil society forum, resulting in a mutually-rewarding exchange of views.

The vibrancy of the commission session and the preceding civil society forum was greatly affected when participants from a large number of African countries were denied visas to enter Egypt. Also, Egyptian NGOs did not attend the forum. While visa denials affected countries as far-flung as Ghana and Uganda, those most affected were activists from Arab countries, leading to the impression that Egypt is nervous about an interaction between its citizens and those from its Arab neighbours. As an exception, some activists from the Sudan, currently embroiled in a power struggle with their military, having already deposed longstanding ruler Omar el Bashir, took time off their on-going street duties in Khartoum to travel to Egypt. Amid denial that there was an official policy to suppress participation of the commission session, there was strong criticism of Egypt from, among others, two UN special rapporteurs, over its visas restrictions.