عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Cairo to Host 25th Session of UCLG Africa’s Executive Committee

General view of hotels, banks and office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
General view of hotels, banks and office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
TT
TT

Cairo to Host 25th Session of UCLG Africa’s Executive Committee

General view of hotels, banks and office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
General view of hotels, banks and office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Egypt will host the two-day 25th ordinary session of the Executive Committee of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) on Thursday.

The event will be attended by UCLG President Mohamed Boudra, UCLG Secretary-General Jean Pierre Mbassi, as well as several African ministers of local development and 25 governors and mayors of African cities, who are also members of the committee.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly is scheduled to meet with UCLG executive committee members to review Egypt’s point of view regarding its cooperation with Africa, the Egyptian cabinet revealed in a statement.

They will also discuss means of supporting the progress made at all levels between Egypt and African countries in various fields, the statement added.

Madbouly will attend the signing ceremony of the inauguration of headquarters of the UCLG Africa regional office for North Africa (NARO) in Cairo.

Egypt’s Minister of Local Development General Mahmoud Shaarawy said heads of the African and foreign affairs committees in Egypt’s parliament were also invited, along with governors, international partners, foreign embassies, and United Nations organizations.

Egypt seeks to make the NARO headquarters a hub for qualifying African cadres, especially after its successful African Union presidency, he explained.

“Cairo also aims to discuss the challenges faced by African cities and other important issues with African countries and their international partners to serve the people of the continent.”

The meetings in Cairo will provide the opportunity to discuss and exchange expertise to address several issues, including population growth, solid waste, climate changes, which will benefit various African countries.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Hezbollah Faces a Choice: Adapt to Change or Return to Conflict

An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
TT
TT

Hezbollah Faces a Choice: Adapt to Change or Return to Conflict

An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP

In his recent speech, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem sent several messages to both Lebanon and the wider world, suggesting that the post-war era will be different from the past.

While he declared victory over Israel, he also signaled a shift towards political engagement under the Taif Agreement, highlighting the changes facing both Hezbollah and the broader “Resistance Axis.”

However, the victory Qassem spoke of does not reflect Lebanon's reality after the war.

Former minister Rashid Derbas argued that Hezbollah may claim victory, but in truth, Lebanon—both as a state and a people—has been defeated. He noted that Qassem's remarks are mainly aimed at rallying supporters, while the Lebanese people continue to suffer.

In a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat, Derbas said that while Sheikh Naim Qassem has the right to address his supporters this way, he views the overall tone of the speech as positive.

Derbas highlighted Qassem’s decision to return to political work under the Taif Agreement, his call for a swift presidential election, and his push for cooperation with the Lebanese army.

In his speech, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General outlined the party’s future vision, including high-level coordination with the Lebanese army, continued support for Palestine, and ongoing reconstruction efforts with the Lebanese state and international partners.

He emphasized that Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon will remain politically and economically influential, with a focus on completing constitutional institutions, starting with electing a new president.

The results of the war have forced Hezbollah to reassess its approach, pushing for deeper political integration in a more pragmatic manner than before.

Derbas praised Qassem’s agreement to withdraw completely north of the Litani River, signaling a shift away from confrontation with Israel. He noted that Hezbollah has come to realize that only Lebanon and the state can protect it, not Syria, Iraq, or Iran.

Regarding Hezbollah’s “army, people, and resistance” equation, Derbas pointed out the reality of Israel's military strength, which is linked to US weapons, and emphasized the need to rely on the state for protection.

He stressed that the party must return to a more realistic approach.

The tone of Hezbollah’s rhetoric after this war is different from its stance after the 2006 July War, which was more aggressive toward political forces.

Political analyst Qassem Qasir noted that the party is now acting with greater rationality, coordinating with the Lebanese state and army to implement UN Resolution 1701.

He called on all political groups to adopt a positive and non-provocative discourse that reflects Hezbollah’s openness toward all Lebanese factions.